Why Does My Vape Cart Taste Burnt?

Why Does My Vape Cart Taste Burnt?

When I first started vaping, prefilled vape carts were my go-to. These affordable and easy-to-use carts were a convenient way to consume cannabis extracts, and all I needed was a 510 vape battery.  

On more than one occasion, I've had to deal with a vape cart with a burnt taste, which is a frustrating experience but one that I learned how to avoid and resolve, at least most of the time.

Not only does a burnt cart ruin the flavor, but it can also be harsh on your throat and lungs. Understanding why your vape cart tastes burnt is the first step toward fixing the issue or preventing it from happening in the future. Here's a comprehensive guide to the possible causes and solutions.

Common Causes of Burnt-Tasting Vape Carts

Excessive Voltage

High voltage is one of the most frequent culprits behind a burnt taste. Many 510-thread batteries offer adjustable voltage, but settings beyond 4.0 volts are often too much for most cannabis oils.

• Why it happens: High voltage can destroy delicate terpenes, burning the oil and producing a harsh flavor.
• How to fix it: Start vaping at your vape batteries' lowest setting (e.g., 2.8 volts). Gradually increase it until you find the sweet spot for vapor production and flavor. Each cart is unique so the perfect voltage will vary, requiring a little trial and error to find the best settings. Live resins and full-spectrum oils often perform best under 3.0 volts, while distillates may handle slightly higher settings. The best voltage for vape carts is between 3 to 3.8 volts. Check the best voltages for different vape carts. Settings below 3.2 volts will preserve delicate terpens while higher voltages around 3.5 volts work better for distilates.  

Improper Storage

Cannabis oil is sensitive to light, heat, and cold. Storing vape carts in unfavorable conditions can lead to flavor degradation and burnt tastes.

• Why it happens: Sunlight and heat accelerate the breakdown of terpenes and cannabinoids, while carts stored in the cold can thicken the oil, making it harder for the coil to saturate. This means the cart isnt primed and can lead to dry burnt hits.
• How to fix it: Store your vape carts in a cool, dark place—like a drawer or storage box—away from direct sunlight and humid environments. Avoid leaving carts in extreme temperatures, such as in a car or freezer. If your cart was stored in a cold place hold it in your hand for a few minutes to bring to a cool room temperature before vaping.

Running Low on Oil

As tempting as it may be to use every last drop of oil, a nearly empty cart often results in a burnt taste.

• Why it happens: When there isn't enough oil to cover the heating element, the coil may burn instead of vaporizing the remaining oil.
• How to fix it: Dispose of prefilled carts when they're about 95% empty. For refillable carts, top up the oil before it runs too low.

Poor-Quality or Counterfeit Oil

Low-quality or black-market vape carts can burn easily and may taste bad right from the start.

• Why it happens: Inferior oils may not vaporize effectively, leading to poor performance and a burnt flavor. Counterfeit carts may also contain unsafe additives or solvents.
• How to fix it: Always buy from reputable sellers. Look for products with a certificate of analysis (COA) to verify quality and safety. Avoid unbranded or suspiciously cheap carts.

Unsaturated or Unprimed Coil

Vape carts rely on a wick and heating coil to vaporize oil. If the coil isn't properly saturated, dry hits can occur, resulting in a burnt taste.

• Why it happens: Thick oil or long periods of disuse can leave the coil unsaturated.
• How to fix it: Allow oil to settle near the coil by positioning the cart upright for several minutes. Prime the coil by taking a few low-voltage or dry pulls before use. 

Clogged Cart

Clogs in the airpath or coil can lead to poor vapor production and burnt-tasting hits.

• Why it happens: Drawing too hard on a clogged cart can flood the coil, causing oil to burn unevenly.
• How to fix it: Gently blow into the mouthpiece to dislodge any blockages. For refillable carts, disassemble and clean the components. Avoid aggressive or prolonged draws to prevent future clogs.

Can Burnt Carts Be Fixed?

In some cases, a burnt cart can be salvaged. Here are some quick tips:

• Adjust the voltage: Lower your battery's voltage setting.
• Prime the coil: Saturate the coil by preheating or manually warming the cart.
• Clear clogs: Flick the cart gently or blow into the mouthpiece to remove blockages.
• Replace the oil: Refill a reusable cart if it's low or clogged with old oil.

However, if the oil is damaged from sunlight, heat, or poor manufacturing, the burnt taste cannot be reversed. In such cases, it's best to dispose of the cart and replace it with a new one.

Tips to Prevent Burnt Vape Carts

While you can't always avoid burnt carts, following these guidelines will reduce the chances:

1. Store carts properly: Keep them in cool, dark places away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
2. Use appropriate voltage settings: Start at the lowest voltage and increase gradually to find the ideal setting.
3. Avoid overuse: Take gentle, short draws instead of long, aggressive ones to prevent flooding or overheating.
4. Buy high-quality products: Stick to reputable brands with transparent lab testing and COAs.
5. Regular maintenance: Clean refillable carts and ensure coils are primed before use.

Is It Safe to Vape a Burnt Cart?

Burnt carts are not inherently dangerous, but they are unpleasant and may indicate underlying issues. Counterfeit carts, low-quality oil, or carts exposed to heat can pose health risks due to degraded cannabinoids, terpenes, or harmful additives.

If a burnt taste persists despite adjustments, it's safer to discard the cart and replace it with a verified product.

Conclusion

A burnt-tasting vape cart can stem from various issues, including high voltage, improper storage, or low-quality oil. By understanding these causes and taking preventive measures, you can enjoy smoother, more flavorful vaping sessions. If all else fails, don't hesitate to invest in a new cart from a trusted source—your throat and taste buds will thank you!