Why Does My Disposable Vape Taste Burnt and How Can I Fix It?

Disposable vapes are super convenient, but nothing ruins the experience quite like that dreaded burnt taste. If you’ve ever wondered why this happens and what you can do about it, you’re not alone. Let’s break down the reasons behind the burnt taste and explore some easy fixes.

1. Why Does My Disposable Vape Taste Burnt?

1.1 Dry Hits

One of the main culprits is something called a “dry hit.” This happens when the wick inside the vape’s coil isn’t soaked in e-liquid, usually because it’s running low or the liquid isn’t evenly distributed. Since disposable vapes can’t be refilled, once the e-liquid is gone or uneven, dry hits—and that awful burnt taste—are pretty much inevitable.

1.2 Low-Quality E-Liquid

The quality of the e-liquid plays a big role too. Cheaper disposable vapes sometimes use lower-quality e-liquids that can have impurities or too much sweetener. These can caramelize on the coil, burning the wick and leaving you with a burnt taste.

1.3 Vaping Too Often

Vaping too frequently can cause the coil to overheat. Unlike refillable vapes, disposables usually don’t let you adjust the power, so if you’re taking puff after puff without giving the wick time to re-soak, you’ll likely end up with a burnt taste.

1.4 Airflow Issues

Airflow is another factor. If the airflow is too low, the coil can get too hot, burning the wick. But if it’s too high and you’re drawing too hard, the e-liquid might vaporize faster than the wick can absorb it, also leading to that burnt taste.

2. How Can I Prevent or Fix the Burnt Taste?

2.1 Take It Easy with Puffs

To avoid dry hits, don’t puff too quickly. Give the wick a chance to absorb the e-liquid between puffs. This simple change can make a big difference in preventing that burnt taste.

2.2 Pick Quality Vapes

Invest in better-quality disposable vapes. Reputable brands usually use higher-quality e-liquids that are less likely to burn. It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturing date—old vapes can be more prone to dry hits.

2.3 Adjust the Airflow

If your disposable vape has adjustable airflow, tweak it to find the sweet spot. If you notice a burnt taste or less vapor, try increasing the airflow a bit. But don’t go too hard on the draw—this can cause the same problem you’re trying to avoid.

2.4 Store Your Vape Properly

Proper storage is key. Keep your disposable vape in a cool, dry place to prevent the e-liquid from evaporating or getting unevenly distributed. This can help you avoid dry hits and extend the life of your vape.

3. What’s the Deal with Puff Count?

You might have noticed that disposable vapes often advertise a certain number of puffs, but in reality, you might not get exactly that number. That’s because the puff count is usually tested under ideal lab conditions. Your actual puff count can vary based on how often you use it and how you adjust the airflow.

For example, if you’re using a dual-flavor disposable vape like the Bang 30K Puffs or WGA 20K Puffs, the total puff count is split between two e-liquid chambers. So, for the Bang 30K, you’ll get around 15,000 puffs per flavor, and for the WGA 20K, it’s about 10,000 puffs per flavor. How many puffs you actually get from each flavor will depend on your vaping habits and which flavor you use more often.

As shown in the picture, a dual-flavor disposable e-cigarette with a single flavor can cause the oil core on one side to burn due to long-term use of a single flavor.

4. Understanding the Displayed Puff Count and Remaining E-Liquid

Some disposable vapes come with a screen that shows the remaining puff count or e-liquid level. While this feature is helpful, it’s important to understand that these readings are estimates. The devices use sensors to predict the remaining e-liquid based on your usage patterns, but they can’t measure it with absolute precision.

Because of this limitation, the displayed numbers might not be entirely accurate. You may notice a burnt taste before the device indicates that the e-liquid is fully depleted. This is because the sensors can only approximate the remaining amount, and sometimes, the e-liquid may not be evenly distributed within the vape. When you start to get that burnt taste, it’s a clear sign that the e-liquid is running out, even if the screen suggests otherwise.