My VIM's tank/coil is producing a burnt taste

What Causes a Burnt Taste?

A burnt taste is a sign that the wicking material in the coil is dry, or is no longer wicking correctly. 

Dry-burning happens when the wick has not been given enough time to saturate with e-liquid, or isn't wicking correctly. When the coil heats up, the wick isn't holding enough e-liquid and so will begin to burn. 

How to Avoid Dry-Burns

When fitting a fresh coil, you should first make sure to prime it, by squeezing a couple of drops of e-liquid into each feed hole on the side of the coil, as well as a couple of drops into the top of the coil (directly onto the wicking material). You should then assemble the tank, fill with e-liquid and then allow to stand for 10-15 minutes before use.

Thicker e-liquids, i.e. those which are high in VG, are a little trickier to work with, and wick more slowly than High PG e-liquids. If you're using a High VG e-liquid with your VIM, we recommend selecting a DL S-Coil as these are better able to wick these thicker liquids.

Make sure the tank does not run dry, by keeping the liquid level topped up. You should never allow the e-liquid level to drop below the two feed holes that are found on the side of the coil.

Dry-burns should be particularly avoided when using Turbo S-Coils. You might get away with a slight dry-burn on an MTL or DL S-Coil, but the Turbo coils are a little less resistant and will almost certainly need to be replaced if they are allowed to dry-burn.

Coil Lifespan

Typically, S-Coils will last for around 7-10 refills before they'll need to be replaced. Turbo Coils enhance flavour production, but may last for less time before needing to be replaced.

Over time, the wicking material in the coil will begin to clog with e-liquid residue, which will lead to a drop in flavour and vapour production. Eventually, the wicking material will stop absorbing e-liquid effectively, which may lead to dry-burning.

Other Tips

Do not try to mouth inhale a direct lung coil, this will result in a burnt taste as there is not enough airflow being produced. The lack of airflow means the coil overheats and burns.

Keep an eye on how you're using your device, and that you're using the right type of coil to suit your vaping style.

• MTL coils are designed to simulate the act of smoking - taking a draw into the mouth, then inhaling again into the lungs.
• DL coils are designed to offer a looser draw than you can inhale directly into the lungs. Do not try to mouth inhale with a DL coil, as this may cause dry-burning. MTL coils don't offer the airflow that's needed for this style of vaping, leading the coil to overheat and burn the wick.