
Burnt vape cartridges are a common issue for vape users. There are many reasons why a vape cartridge may taste burnt, including old coils, low e-liquid levels, incorrect power settings, and voltage issues. Burnt vape cartridges can also be caused by low-quality cartridges and materials, as well as oil degradation over time. In addition, improper storage, such as exposure to sunlight or heat, can damage the active ingredients in vape cartridges and cause a burnt taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burnt taste | Caused by high voltage, old coils, low e-liquid levels, incorrect power settings, or exposure to sunlight or heat |
| Chemical taste | Caused by low-quality cartridges, oil degradation, or impurities in the oil |
| Stale taste | Caused by oil degradation |
| Metallic taste | Caused by degraded coils or carbon buildup on the wick |
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Burnt coils
A burnt coil is one of the most common reasons for a vape to have a burnt plastic or harsh metal taste. Over time, coils degrade and accumulate residue, which can lead to an unpleasant taste. This can be caused by a number of factors:
Low-quality oil
Poorly refined cannabis extracts may contain impurities or residual solvents, which can leave a bitter, chemical-like, or soapy taste. Manufacturers may also use cutting agents to thin the oil, which can alter the flavour and harshness of the hit.
Improper priming
If a new coil is not primed properly before use, it can cause dry hits, leading to a burnt plastic taste. Before installing a new coil, it is important to saturate the wick with a few drops of oil and let it sit for several minutes. It is also recommended to start at a lower wattage and gradually increase the temperature to avoid burning the wick immediately.
High temperatures
Vaping at very high temperatures can scorch the terpenes in the oil, resulting in a burnt popcorn-like taste. High heat can also break down cannabinoids, exacerbating the burnt taste. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the vape temperature in the range of 350–380 °F (177–193 °C) for the best balance of flavour and effects.
Low oil level
Vaping when the oil level is too low or when the wick is not fully saturated can cause dry hits, leading to a burnt cotton taste. It is important to ensure that there is enough oil in the cartridge or tank before vaping and to avoid chain vaping, as this can dry out the wick too quickly.
To prevent and fix the issue of a burnt coil, it is important to regularly replace the coil according to the manufacturer's recommendations and ensure proper priming before use.
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Low-quality cartridges
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to purchase cartridges from reputable sellers and to verify third-party lab testing before purchase. It is also important to ensure that the cartridge is stored correctly, as sunlight or heat exposure can damage the active ingredients and cause a burnt taste.
Furthermore, low-quality cartridges may have mismatched or old coils that do not vaporize the e-liquid properly, leading to a burnt taste. It is recommended to purchase replacement coils from the original brand or vape company to ensure compatibility. Regularly replacing coils can also help to improve the taste and performance of the cartridge.
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Oil degradation
A burnt plastic taste in vape cartridges can be caused by several factors, one of the most common being a burnt coil. Over time, coils degrade and accumulate residue, resulting in an unpleasant burnt plastic or metallic taste. This can also be caused by the improper priming of the coil before use, leading to dry hits and a burnt plastic taste. Low-quality cartridges and materials can also be the reason for a chemical or plastic flavour.
Another factor that accelerates oil degradation is exposure to heat and sunlight, particularly ultraviolet rays. To prolong the shelf life of the oil, it should be stored in a cool, dark place. Old or improperly stored cartridges are more susceptible to degradation, and if the oil has changed colour or smells off, it should be discarded.
In the context of plastics, essential oils, and cooking oils can also cause degradation in certain types of plastic containers. Essential oils, especially at high concentrations, can weaken plastic, leading to leaks, cracks, and contamination of the oil. Cooking oils, such as rapeseed oil, can cause plastic to become hazy, sticky, or discoloured over time. Therefore, it is recommended to use glass or specialised plastic containers, such as polypropylene plastic containers, that are resistant to oil degradation.
Additionally, mineral oils can have adverse effects on certain types of polyethylene. Hydraulic oils, in particular, can be damaging to plastics due to their high viscosity and moisture absorption tendency, causing the plastic to become brittle or crack over time. To avoid this, use plastics that are resistant to mineral oil degradation, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or fluoropolymers like PTFE or FEP.
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High voltage
A vape cartridge that tastes like plastic can be caused by a variety of factors, one of the most common being high voltage. When the voltage is too high, it can burn the oil, resulting in an unpleasant taste or smell. This is especially common with new cartridges, as users may need to experiment with different voltage settings to find the optimal range for their specific cartridge.
To avoid a burnt taste, it is recommended to start with the battery's lowest voltage setting and gradually increase it. Cannabis oils often perform well at 3.0 volts or lower, and settings below 3.0 volts are most likely to preserve terpenes, which can be destroyed by high heat. Terpenes are responsible for the flavour and aroma of the oil, so higher voltages will sacrifice flavour.
Additionally, freshly charged batteries can output higher voltages, which may cause the coil to overheat and result in a burnt taste. It is important to let the battery rest or use a lower power setting in this case.
Other causes of a burnt taste include old or worn-out coils, low oil levels, and improper priming of the coil. It is recommended to replace coils regularly and ensure that there is enough oil in the cartridge or tank.
It is worth noting that a burnt plastic taste could also be due to low-quality oil or impurities in the oil, which may be more common with untrustworthy sellers or cheap cartridges.
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Low oil levels
To avoid this issue, it is crucial to monitor your oil levels and refill or replace your cartridge before it runs out of oil. For pre-filled cartridges, it is recommended to dispose of them when they are about 95% empty. Refillable cartridges should be refilled regularly to prevent dry hits and wick burning.
Additionally, the type of oil used can also contribute to a burnt plastic taste. Thick oils may not soak into the wick properly, leading to dry hits. In such cases, lowering the temperature and taking slower pulls can help prevent the coil from burning the wick.
It is also important to ensure that your vape is stored and maintained properly. Prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat can damage the oil, affecting its taste and performance. Storing your vape in a cool, dark place can help prolong the life of the oil and maintain its quality.
Furthermore, the power settings on your vape can also impact the taste. Setting the power or wattage too high can overwhelm the coil, causing it to burn and resulting in a persistent burnt taste until the coil is replaced. Starting at a lower power setting and gradually increasing it can help you find the optimal level for flavour and vapour production.
By maintaining adequate oil levels, using suitable oil types, storing your vape properly, and adjusting the power settings, you can prevent low oil levels from causing a burnt plastic taste in your vape cartridge.
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Frequently asked questions
This could be due to a number of reasons, including:
- The coil in your vape pen is old and worn out, causing the e-liquid to not vaporize properly.
- The oil in your vape cart is low, causing the coil to heat up the limited oil and resulting in a burnt smell.
- The voltage on your vape is too high, burning the oil and leading to a bad taste.
- The oil in your vape cart is of low quality or has degraded over time, leading to a stale or musty taste.
To prevent your vape cart from tasting like plastic, try the following:
- Regularly replace the coil in your vape pen and ensure it is properly primed before use.
- Keep the oil level in your vape cart sufficiently high and change the oil cartridge when necessary.
- Lower the voltage on your vape to prevent burning the oil.
- Purchase high-quality oil that is suitable for vaping and store it in a dark and dry place to prevent degradation.
A vape cart that tastes like plastic can indicate the presence of harmful chemicals such as acrolein and formaldehyde, which can irritate your throat and negatively affect your health. Additionally, the vapour may contain impurities or residual solvents, further impacting the overall experience and potentially causing respiratory issues.
Signs that your vape cart is of poor quality include:
- A consistent burnt, chemical, or stale taste that does not improve even after making adjustments.
- Leaking or clogging issues.
- Lack of proper certification or third-party lab testing verification from the manufacturer.
- Inconsistent product packaging or online information compared to the physical product.











































