Vape Tasting Bitter? Find Out Why and How to Fix it Easily

Most of the time, it’s your device—or the way you vape!

17 April 2025 | Hannah Rubery

Let’s be real, whether you’re a vaping pro or just testing the waters, nothing ruins the vibe faster than a bitter, burnt, or sour puff. If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Why does my vape taste so bad?”—don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is hands-down one of the top gripes in the vaping world.

But here’s the good news: a bitter vape isn’t some unsolvable mystery. It’s usually caused by a few super common (and fixable) issues. In this guide, we’ll break down what’s behind that awful taste, how to fix it, and share some tips to keep your vape smooth and flavour-packed. Let’s get your vape game back on track!

Why Does Your Vape Taste Bitter? Let’s Fix That

1. Burnt Coil
Top culprit? A burnt coil. Your vape’s coil heats up the E-liquid to make all that tasty vapour. But over time, residue builds up, and suddenly—hello, bitter flavour. Gross, right?
Fix it:
• Swap out the coil regularly. Most need replacing every 1–2 weeks, depending on how much you vape.
• Prime it first. When you put in a new coil, let the E-liquid soak in for 5–10 minutes before you puff. This avoids dry hits and helps your coil last longer.

2. Dry Hits
Ever take a hit and feel like you just inhaled a campfire? That’s a dry hit. It happens when the wick (usually cotton) isn’t soaked enough in E-liquid. Even a shiny new coil isn’t safe if the wick’s dry.
Fix it:
• Keep your tank filled above the minimum line. No one likes running on empty.
• Give your device a little tilt while vaping to help the wick soak up more juice.
• Chain vaping? Slow down! Gentle, slower puffs give the wick time to reabsorb the liquid.

3. Wrong Wattage
Not all coils are created equal. Each one has a recommended wattage range, and going too high can burn your coil, while going too low? Well, that’s just sad—it’ll mess with flavour and vapour production.
Fix it:
• Check your coil or packaging for the sweet spot wattage. It’s there for a reason.
• Stay within the range and adjust gradually to find your perfect flavour.

Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Vape Tasting Fresh

4. Old or Expired E-Liquid
Yes, vape juice can go bad over time. Exposure to heat, light, or air can break it down, leading to a bitter or off taste. If it smells strange, it’s probably no longer good. To avoid this, store your E-liquid in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard, rather than your car’s cupholder.

Investing in a reliable device with temperature control can also prevent overheating and extend coil life. Take care of your coils by avoiding chain vaping and giving your device time to rest between hits. Using mesh coils is another great option, as they heat more evenly and often produce cleaner, better flavour than traditional wire coils.

Always check the expiration date or give your E-liquid a sniff test before use, and shake the bottle to ensure everything is well-mixed.

5. Flavour Fatigue (aka Vaper’s Tongue)
Sometimes, it’s not your vape—it’s you. Using the same flavour for too long can desensitize your taste buds, making everything taste dull, bitter, or just plain meh. To fix this, try switching up your flavours regularly—variety is the spice of life, after all.

Staying hydrated is also key, as dehydration can interfere with your sense of taste. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your mouthpiece and drip tip regularly, as gunk buildup won’t do your vaping experience any favours.

6. A Dirty Tank
A neglected vape tank is like a dirty coffee mug—leftover residue and gunk can ruin even the best E-liquid. To fix this, make sure to clean your tank weekly; it only takes a few minutes. Rinse it with warm water or use isopropyl alcohol for a deeper clean, but ensure it’s completely dry before using it again. Take your device apart and clean every piece that comes into contact with E-liquid to keep your vape performing its best.

Conclusion: Smooth Flavour Starts With Smart Vaping

Bitter hits ruining your vibe? They don’t have to! With just a little maintenance and a few quick fixes, you’ll be back to enjoying those smooth, flavour-packed puffs in no time.

The secret? Stay on top of your gear. Keep things clean, change your coils regularly, and mix things up with your flavours. A little effort goes a long way. Do that, and every puff will be one to savour.