Chloe Zhang
A plastic taste in vape cartridges is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. The most likely reason is a burnt coil, which occurs when the coil degrades and accumulates residue over time, resulting in a burnt plastic or harsh metallic taste. Other causes may include low-quality cartridges and materials, oil degradation, and vaping at very high temperatures, which can scorch the terpenes in the oil and break down cannabinoids, intensifying the burnt taste. In some cases, the oil may be too thick to properly soak into the wick, leading to dry hits and a burnt flavour. To prevent and address these issues, regular coil replacement, proper priming, and optimized power levels are recommended.
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What You'll Learn
Low-quality cartridges and materials
One of the main reasons your cartridge might taste like plastic is due to low-quality cartridges and materials. Low-quality cartridges can leave behind chemical or plastic flavours. This could be due to the oil being too thick to properly soak into the wick, causing the coil to burn the oil and produce a plastic taste. This can be avoided by choosing the correct e-liquid for your device, ensuring that the coil can absorb the liquid efficiently.
In addition, low-quality oil can lead to a plastic taste. Poorly refined cannabis extracts may contain impurities or residual solvents, which can result in a chemical-like taste. To prevent this, ensure that you are using high-quality oils that are free from impurities.
Another reason for a plastic taste could be old or worn-out coils. Over time, coils can degrade and accumulate residue, leading to an unpleasant burnt plastic taste. It is important to replace your coils regularly and ensure that they are properly primed to avoid this issue. Additionally, using the wrong resistance coil can cause a burnt taste. Each vape device operates within a specific resistance range, and if the coil's resistance is not within this range, it can lead to improper heating and a burnt flavour.
To summarise, low-quality cartridges, oils, and coils can all contribute to a plastic taste in your vape. To avoid this issue, invest in high-quality components, ensure proper maintenance, and follow the recommended settings for your device.
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Burnt coil
A burnt coil is one of the most common reasons for a vape cartridge to taste like burnt plastic. Over time, coils degrade and accumulate residue, leading to an unpleasant burnt plastic or metallic taste.
To avoid this, it is important to replace your coil regularly, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are using a new coil, ensure it is primed properly before use to avoid dry hits. Avoid dry-burning the coil, as this can lead to irreversible damage.
Another common cause of a burnt taste is the oil being too thick to absorb into the cartridge's wick. This can happen when the cartridge has been stored in a cold environment, or if the oil is of low quality. To fix this, gently warm the cartridge by holding it in your hands for a few minutes. You can also try lowering the temperature and taking slower pulls to prevent dry hits.
If you are using a device with adjustable power, the power may be set too high, causing the coil to overheat and burn. Try lowering the power settings and see if that improves the taste.
Finally, it is important to prevent clogs, as they can lead to chamber flooding and dry, burnt-tasting vapor. Avoid drawing for more than three seconds at a time, and always store your cartridges in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and humidity.
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Oil degradation
Temperature plays a crucial role in oil degradation. High temperatures accelerate the degradation process, causing the oil to spoil more rapidly. This is further exacerbated when the cartridge is exposed to external heat sources, such as being left in a hot car or direct sunlight. Additionally, the heat generated by the battery itself can contribute to the problem. As such, it is advisable to store cartridges in a cool, controlled environment and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures to mitigate degradation.
The quality of the oil itself also impacts its degradation rate. Low-quality oils may contain impurities or residual solvents, leading to a faster breakdown of the oil and an unpleasant taste. Moreover, the degradation of THC, the primary cannabinoid in cannabis oil, can result in the formation of CBN, which has weaker psychotropic effects. This transformation occurs more rapidly when exposed to high temperatures, further emphasising the importance of proper storage and temperature control.
Over time, the oil in cartridges may exhibit signs of degradation, such as a change in colour, typically turning brown. While slightly browned oil may still be usable, a thick or dark brown colour indicates that it should be discarded. Additionally, the presence of sludge, cloudiness, or crystal growth along the sides of the cartridge are all indicators that the oil has degraded and is no longer suitable for use. Proper storage practices, such as keeping cartridges upright and in their original rectangular packaging, can help prolong their shelf life and maintain optimal conditions for consumption.
To summarise, oil degradation in cartridges is influenced by factors such as oxygen exposure, light, heat, oil quality, and proper storage. By understanding and controlling these factors, users can maximise the longevity, potency, and flavour of their cartridge oil while minimising unpleasant tastes and ensuring a safer vaping experience.
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Improper priming
A burnt plastic taste in a vape cartridge is often due to improper priming. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Inadequate Priming Before First Use
Before using a new cartridge for the first time, it is important to properly prime it. This involves inhaling from the mouthpiece several times without attaching it to a battery. This process, known as taking "dry hits", should be repeated between 5-8 times. Dry hits help to reduce clogging in the cartridge and improve the overall vaping experience. After taking the dry hits, the cartridge should be rubbed between the palms to loosen the oil.
Improper Preheating
Once the cartridge is primed, it needs to be preheated. This can be done by hand or by attaching it to a compatible battery. If preheating by hand, the cartridge can be rubbed between the palms or gently warmed with a blow dryer set to low heat. If using a battery, ensure it is a 510-battery that is fully charged. Improper batteries can easily burn or damage the cartridge. When attaching the cartridge to the battery, tighten it only until you feel resistance—do not overtighten.
Inadequate Cartridge Care
Proper cartridge care is essential to maintain its functionality and effectiveness. After each vaping session, it is recommended to take a dry hit to clear out any leftover oil in the cartridge. Additionally, cartridges should be stored upright, at room temperature (between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit), and away from direct sunlight. Warmer environments and sunlight can degrade the oil, reducing its potency and effectiveness.
Low-Quality Oil
Using low-quality oil can also contribute to a burnt plastic taste. Poorly refined cannabis extracts may contain impurities or residual solvents, resulting in a chemical-like taste. Over time, the oil can degrade and accumulate residue, leading to an unpleasant taste.
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Incorrect power settings
One of the most common reasons for a burnt, plastic-like taste in vape cartridges is incorrect power settings. This can occur when the power setting is too high, causing the coil to heat up too quickly and burn the THC oil and terpenes, resulting in an unpleasant flavour. This is especially true for freshly charged batteries, which can output higher voltages, overheating the coil.
To avoid this, it is recommended to start new cartridges at the lowest setting and adjust slowly. This allows users to find the optimal temperature for their cartridge and prevent a burnt taste. It is also important to ensure that the wattage matches the recommended range for the coil, as this can avoid burnt hits from excessive heat or lacklustre vapour from insufficient power.
Additionally, the viscosity of the oil can play a role in the power settings. High-VG liquids, for example, are thicker than e-liquids with a 50/50 VG to PG ratio, which can affect how efficiently the coil absorbs the liquid. This can lead to possible burnt hits, so it is important to choose the correct e-liquid for your device and adjust the power settings accordingly.
Furthermore, the type of device used can also impact the power settings. For example, vape cartridges may not work well with vape mods, as they have higher power requirements. In this case, the power setting on the vape mod would need to be lowered to prevent a burnt cartridge.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic taste in your cartridge can be caused by low-quality cartridges and materials, or by using your vape at very high temperatures.
Vaping with a burnt coil can release harmful chemicals like acrolein and formaldehyde, which can irritate your throat.
To prevent a plastic taste, you can:
- Use a high-quality vape with adjustable temperature settings.
- Keep your vape in the 350–380°F (177–193°C) range.
- Take slower, controlled puffs instead of rapid hits to prevent excessive heat buildup.
- Regularly replace your coil.
