Vapers, both new and experienced, often face the unpleasant experience of dry hits—when you taste burnt cotton and get little to no vapor. This guide explores the causes of dry hits, how to recognize them, and, most importantly, how to prevent them. From keeping an eye on e-liquid levels to adjusting wattage, we provide essential tips for a better vaping experience. If you’re wondering why you keep getting dry hits or how to fix them, this guide has all the answers.
What is a dry hit when vaping?
A dry hit in vaping is the harsh, burnt taste you get when inhaling vapor from a vape. It often comes with a dry, irritating sensation in the throat and little to no vapor. While unpleasant, dry hits are easily preventable.
What does a dry vape hit taste like?
When you experience a dry hit, whether on a refillable or disposable vape, you’ll notice right away. Instead of tasting your e-liquid’s flavor, you’ll get a burnt cotton taste, with a warm, scratchy sensation in your mouth and throat.
How do you know if you have a dry hit?
When you have a dry hit, you’ll encounter a foul and unpleasant taste that dominates the flavour of your e-liquid in your mouth, and there is little to no vapour produced. This happens when there isn’t sufficient e-liquid present in your tank or pod to properly saturate the wicking material in the atomiser coil.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
Dry hits or a burnt taste when vaping usually mean your coil isn’t getting enough e-liquid. If the liquid level is too low, the coil’s cotton can burn, damaging both the coil and the remaining e-liquid. The coil heats the e-liquid, and the wicking material ensures it stays saturated. When the e-liquid is too low, the coil overheats, causing a burnt taste and an unpleasant vaping experience, especially for beginners
Is it bad to hit a burnt vape?
If you experience a dry hit with a burnt taste and harsh vapor, it’s a sign that something’s wrong, and you should stop vaping immediately to check the issue. Ignoring these signs and continuing to vape can expose you to harmful chemicals.
An occasional dry hit is usually not harmful, but when your coil isn’t properly saturated, it can overheat, causing a burnt taste instead of the usual flavor. Continuing to vape with this burnt taste can damage your coil, ruin your e-liquid’s flavor, and release harmful chemicals. It’s important to avoid vaping with a burnt taste, as prolonged exposure could lead to serious health issues
What is the difference between dry hit and throat hit?
· A dry hit is an undesired result of the coil heating up with no e-liquid, so effectively you are inhaling the fumes from the burnt cotton
· A weak throat hit refers to a pleasant draw from the mouthpiece of a vape that tastes like the flavour of e-liquid you have chosen. The nicotine along with the PG (propylene glycol) in the e-liquid will provide a satisfying feeling on the back of the throat when you inhale on an e-cigarette that mimics the inhale from a cigarette. If you prefer smoother and less harsh sensations on the back of your throat when vaping try using e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths with equal ratios of PG and VG, including nicotine salt vape juice that provides a super smooth vape hit sensation.
· A strong throat hit is an intense sensation felt at the back of your throat when inhaling from a vape, similar to smoking a cigarette. This can feel slightly unpleasant or irritating and may cause coughing if you’re not used to it. If you prefer a stronger throat sensation, try using e-liquids with higher nicotine levels and a higher PG-to-VG ratio.
Why am I getting a dry hit on my vape?
Dry hits usually happen because of insufficient e-liquid in the tank, thick juice that doesn’t saturate the coil, a damaged coil, too high power settings, or not allowing enough time for the juice to soak into the coil.
What causes dry hits when vaping?
Dry hits can result from various issues, but there are several methods to resolve them
Not enough e-liquid
Dry hits happen when there’s not enough e-liquid in your tank, pod, or disposable vape to saturate the wick, causing the coil to burn the dry wick and create a burnt flavor.
To avoid this, regularly top up your e-liquid and ensure the wick is fully saturated. Keep the small holes on the atomizer head submerged in e-liquid to prevent burning the wick. Most UK pods and tanks hold up to 2ml of e-liquid, so keep them filled to avoid premature coil damage
If you’re low on juice, tilting your device to direct the remaining liquid to the wick can help, though it’s better to refill as soon as possible to avoid coil damage and extend its lifespan
Not priming your vape coil
When using a new vape coil, let it sit in e-liquid for a few minutes before vaping to avoid dry hits. Speed up the process by dropping e-liquid directly on the coil’s cotton or filling your tank and inhaling without power to draw e-liquid to the coil. Once saturated, turn the power on and start vaping. Be patient for the best experience.
The coil needs replacing
As your vape coil ages, you might notice the e-liquid darkening, thickening, and losing flavor, with reduced vapor production. This can lead to dry hits due to sweeteners causing buildup on the coil, affecting the wick’s ability to deliver liquid. Regularly replacing your vape coils and monitoring these changes can help ensure a better vaping experience and avoid burnt flavors.
Clean your vape
When replacing your vape coil, make sure to clean your tank or pod with warm water and use cotton buds or a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Regular maintenance extends coil life and ensures the best vaping experience.
Try using a bottom coil atomiser
A bottom vertical coil (BVC) is positioned at the base of the tank, with e-liquid gravity-fed into the wicking channels. If you’re often facing dry hits or burnt tastes, using a bottom coil might help resolve these issues
Try using meshed coils
Mesh coils feature a metal mesh with holes, providing quick heating and even heat distribution across the entire surface. This design minimizes hot spots, leading to a more consistent vaping experience and longer coil lifespan. With a larger surface area in contact with the wick, mesh coils reduce the likelihood of dry hits, offering better vapor production and flavor compared to regular coils
Does a dry hit ruin a coil?
Yes, dry hits can damage a coil by causing it to overheat and burn the wicking material, leading to a burnt taste and reduced coil lifespan. Proper e-liquid saturation is crucial to avoid dry hits and extend the coil’s life.
For a better vaping experience, stay updated with our blog for tips on avoiding dry hits, troubleshooting issues, and making the most of your vape devices. Explore our blog for the latest vaping insights and expert advice. A well-informed vaper is a happy vaper!
If you have any questions, need advice, or seek information about e-liquids, vape kits, disposable vapes, pods, tanks, or coils, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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