Fixing a Burnt Pod: Your Guide to Why Your Pod Tastes Burnt and How to Fix It

Fixing a Burnt Pod: Your Guide to Why Your Pod Tastes Burnt and How to Fix It

What Is a Burnt Hit and Why Does It Happen?

A burnt hit occurs when the wicking material inside your coil—usually cotton—is not saturated with e-liquid and gets heated up directly by the coil. Instead of vaporising e-liquid, the coil burns the dry cotton, creating that awful, singed taste.

Think of it like a piece of toast: the bread is the cotton and the toaster element is the coil. If the toast is wet (soaked in e-liquid), the element turns the water into steam. But if the toast is dry, the element just burns the bread, creating a bad smell and an even worse taste.

A burnt taste is a clear signal that something has gone wrong in the process of getting e-liquid to your coil. Here are the most common culprits.

Cause 1: The Dry Hit (Vaping on an Empty Pod)

This is the most common reason for a burnt taste. It happens when you simply forget to check your e-liquid level and take a puff on a pod that is completely or almost empty. Without any e-liquid to vaporise, the coil burns the cotton instantly.

How to Fix It:

1. Stop Vaping Immediately: Do not take another puff. Continuing will only make the problem worse and permanently damage your coil.

2. Check Your Pod: Remove the pod and inspect the e-liquid level. If it's low or empty, it's the likely cause.

3. Refill Your Pod: Fill the pod with your favourite e-liquid.

4. Wait (Prime the Coil): This is the most crucial step. After refilling, you must let the pod sit for at least 5-10 minutes. This waiting period allows the e-liquid to fully saturate the cotton. Taking a puff too soon will lead to another dry hit.

How to Prevent It:

• Keep an Eye on Your E-Liquid: Make it a habit to check your pod's e-liquid level before you start a new vaping session.

• Top Up Your Pod: Don't let your pod get dangerously low. Top it up when it's about a quarter full to ensure the wick stays saturated.

Cause 2: "Chain Vaping" (Taking Too Many Puffs Too Quickly)

Chain vaping is when you take a continuous series of puffs without allowing a break in between. While it can be tempting, it is a leading cause of a burnt taste.

How it happens: After a puff, the coil is hot, and the wick's e-liquid supply is depleted. The wicking material needs time to absorb more e-liquid from the pod. If you take another puff too quickly, the wick won't have had enough time to re-saturate, leading to a dry hit.

How to Fix It:

• There is no "fix" for this beyond a permanent burnt coil. If you get a burnt taste from chain vaping, the cotton is already singed. The coil is ruined and needs to be replaced.

How to Prevent It:

• Pace Yourself: Give your pod a 15-30 second break between puffs, especially if you're using a thick e-liquid (high VG). This gives the coil a chance to cool down and the cotton a chance to re-saturate.

• Listen to Your Device: If you hear a gurgling sound or the flavour starts to feel weak, it's a sign that the coil is struggling. It's time to put your device down and let it rest.

Cause 3: The Wrong E-Liquid (High VG in a Small Pod)

Not all e-liquids are created equal. The two main components are Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG).

• PG: Thinner, carries flavour and throat hit.

• VG: Thicker, produces more vapour.

Most pod systems and MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) devices are designed to work best with a balanced 50PG/50VG e-liquid. Using an e-liquid with a high VG content (e.g., 70VG/30PG) in a small pod system can cause problems. The thick VG liquid struggles to absorb into the small wicking ports of the coil, leading to a dry hit.

How to Fix It:

1. Replace Your Pod: The current pod is likely ruined and needs to be replaced.

2. Switch E-Liquids: Use an e-liquid that has a balanced 50PG/50VG ratio, often labelled as "nic salt" or "pod-friendly" e-liquid. This thinner liquid will wick correctly into the coil.

How to Prevent It:

• Check the Label: Always check the PG/VG ratio on your e-liquid bottle.

• Match Your Device: If you have a small pod system, stick to 50/50 e-liquids. Save the high VG e-liquids for larger, sub-ohm devices with bigger coils.

Cause 4: Old and Worn-Out Coils

A coil's lifespan isn't forever. Over time, residue from e-liquid builds up on the coil, and the cotton becomes worn. This build-up, known as "coil gunk," makes it harder for the coil to heat up evenly and for the cotton to absorb e-liquid properly. The result? A muted flavour that eventually turns into a burnt taste.

How to Fix It:

• Replace the Coil/Pod: Once a coil is past its prime, it's time to replace it. A coil that is producing a burnt taste is non-recoverable.

How to Prevent It:

• Know the Signs: A coil that is nearing the end of its life will show a few signs:

  • Muted or Lost Flavour: The flavour becomes dull.

  • Reduced Vapour Production: The clouds get smaller.

  • Darkened E-Liquid: The liquid in your pod starts to turn a darker colour.

• Replace Regularly: Most pod coils last between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your usage and the e-liquid you use. Change your coil as soon as you notice a decline in performance.

Final Step-by-Step Action Plan:

1. Stop vaping immediately if you get a burnt taste.

2. Check your pod's e-liquid level. If it's low, refill it and wait 5-10 minutes.

3. If the pod was full or almost full, replace it. The coil is already ruined.

4. Use the right e-liquid. Ensure your e-liquid has a 50PG/50VG ratio for small pod devices.

5. Don't chain vape. Give your device a break between puffs.

By understanding the simple causes behind a burnt taste, you can take control of your vaping experience. A little maintenance and a little mindfulness can save you from a nasty dry hit and ensure you get the perfect puff every time.

For more information and a wide range of pod systems, coils, and e-liquids designed to prevent a burnt taste, visit us at MisterVape.