A burnt pod coil can ruin your vaping experience, leaving you with unpleasant flavors and decreased vapor production. Knowing when your pod coil is burnt is crucial to ensuring you get the best out of your device. In this guide, we’ll explore How to Know If Pod Coil Is Burnt, the causes behind it, and how you can prevent it from happening.
What is Pod Coil?
A Pod Coil is a heating element specifically designed for pod-based vaping devices. These coils are responsible for heating the e-liquid inside the pod to produce vapor when you inhale. Pod coils come in various resistances and materials, allowing users to choose between different vaping experiences, such as more vapor production or enhanced flavor.
How to Know If Pod Coil Is Burnt: 5 Clear Signs
If you’re a regular vaper, one of the most frustrating things you can experience is a burnt pod coil. A burnt coil not only ruins the flavor but can also impact your vaping experience. So, how to know if pod coil is burnt and needs replacement? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 clear signs that indicate it’s time for a new pod coil.
1. Burnt Taste in Every Puff
One of the most obvious signs of a burnt pod coil is the dreaded burnt taste that hits you every time you take a puff. This happens when the coil inside your pod is no longer able to absorb and vaporize e-liquid properly. As a result, the coil heats up the cotton directly, burning it and producing a charred taste.
Why This Happens:
- Overheating the coil by vaping too frequently (chain vaping).
- Not allowing enough e-liquid to soak into the cotton between puffs.
- Running out of e-liquid in the pod, leading to dry hits.
2. Reduced Vapor Production
When your pod coil is burnt, you’ll notice a significant reduction in vapor production. A once-thick, satisfying cloud of vapor will diminish, and the vaping experience will feel much weaker. If you’ve noticed your device producing less vapor than usual, it could be a sign that the coil is burning out.
Factors Affecting Vapor Production:
- Coil type: Different coils have different wattage ranges.
- Wattage settings: Vaping at too high or too low of a wattage can damage the coil.
3. Gurgling or Leaking
A burnt pod coil can cause your vape to leak or make gurgling sounds, which is a key sign when learning how to know if pod coil is burnt. This typically occurs when the coil is no longer able to efficiently vaporize the e-liquid, leading to excess liquid gathering in the pod or airflow channels.
Common Causes:
- E-liquid buildup in the airflow chamber.
- A burnt coil leading to improper vaporization of e-liquid.
4. E-Liquid Tastes Different or Weak
If your e-liquid suddenly tastes muted, stale, or different from usual, it could be due to a burnt coil. Burnt coils can alter the flavor of your e-liquid, making it taste weak or entirely unpleasant.
Why This Happens:
- Residue from burnt e-liquid collects on the coil, reducing flavor quality.
- The coil can’t properly vaporize the e-liquid, so you’re left with a subpar experience.
5. Physical Signs on the Coil (Blackened or Burnt Appearance)
A visual inspection of your pod coil can often reveal if it’s burnt. One of the clearest ways how to know if pod coil is burnt is by checking for physical signs such as a blackened or charred appearance.
When the cotton inside the coil is visibly damaged or burnt, it’s a strong indicator that the coil has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
What to Look For:
- Dark, burnt spots on the cotton or the coil itself.
- Visible residue buildup on the coil surface.
What Causes Pod Coils to Burn?
Understanding why your pod coil burns out can help you prevent it in the future. Here are the common causes:
1. Chain Vaping
Vaping too frequently without giving your coil time to cool down can cause it to overheat. This rapid, repeated use leads to a burnt coil, especially if you’re not letting the cotton fully absorb the e-liquid between puffs.
Solution: Give your coil a few seconds to rest between puffs to avoid overheating.
2. Not Priming the Coil
Priming is the process of soaking your coil with e-liquid before using it for the first time. If you skip this step, the cotton in your coil may burn because it’s too dry, resulting in a burnt taste from the get-go.
How to Prime Your Coil:
- Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton inside the coil.
- Let the coil sit in a filled pod for 5-10 minutes before vaping.
3. Vaping at Too High of a Wattage
Each coil has a recommended wattage range. Vaping above this range can cause the coil to heat up too quickly, burning the cotton inside.
Solution: Check the manufacturer’s recommended wattage for your coil and stick within that range.
4. Using Thick E-liquids
E-liquids with a high VG (Vegetable Glycerin) content are thicker and may clog up your coil faster than those with a balanced or high PG (Propylene Glycol) ratio. This can lead to the coil burning out prematurely.
Solution: Use e-liquids that are compatible with your coil type, typically those with a 50/50 VG/PG ratio for pod devices.
How to Prevent Pod Coil Burnout
By taking a few simple steps, you can prolong the life of your pod coil and avoid a burnt taste.
1. Regular Coil Maintenance
Keeping your device clean and free of e-liquid buildup will help your coils last longer. Ensure you regularly clean your pod system to prevent residue from accumulating.
Tip: Rinse the pod and coil under warm water (if removable), then let them dry completely before using again.
2. Proper Priming Before Use
As mentioned, priming your coil ensures the cotton is fully soaked and reduces the risk of dry hits. Always take the time to prime a new coil before starting your vaping session.
3. Adjusting Wattage for Coil Lifespan
Using the right wattage for your coil is key to its longevity. Vaping at too high of a wattage can lead to burnt coils, while vaping too low might result in insufficient vapor production.
Recommended Wattage: Check the coil’s packaging or product details for the optimal wattage range.
4. Using Suitable E-Liquid
Choosing the right e-liquid is just as important as maintaining your device. Thicker e-liquids (high VG) can clog pod coils, leading to faster burnout. Use a balanced VG/PG e-liquid to extend the coil’s life.
When to Replace Your Pod Coil
Even with proper care, all coils have a limited lifespan. On average, pod coils last between one to two weeks, depending on usage. If you notice any of the signs mentioned earlier, it’s time to replace your coil to avoid a burnt taste and poor performance.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Coil:
- A significant decrease in vapor production.
- Consistent burnt or unpleasant flavor.
- E-liquid leaking or unusual noises from your device.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of a burnt pod coil is essential for maintaining a great vaping experience. Knowing how to know if pod coil is burnt can save you from unpleasant hits and help prolong the life of your device. By paying attention to burnt tastes, reduced vapor production, or visible damage on the coil, you can replace it before it completely ruins your vape. Regular maintenance, proper priming, and using suitable e-liquids will go a long way in extending your coil’s lifespan and ensuring you get the most out of every puff.
Need a replacement coil? Check out our selection of high-quality pod coils to keep your vape running smoothly!