Why Does My Vape Have a Plastic Taste?

There’s nothing worse than expecting a burst of juicy flavour and instead getting a nasty plastic taste from your vape. If that’s just happened to you, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not stuck with it.

Here’s what might be going on, and more importantly, how to fix it fast so you can get back to enjoying your vape the way it was meant to be.

Getting Started: What’s Up With Vape Flavour?

When you start vaping, you’re probably looking forward to smooth clouds and delicious flavour, but sometimes, your vape tastes burnt right from the beginning. That unpleasant burnt taste can be a real letdown, especially if you’re new to vaping and not sure what’s causing it.

Here’s the deal: Vape flavour is all about the balance between your e-liquid, the coil, and the wicking material inside your device. The coil heats up the liquid, turning it into vapour for you to inhale. But if the coil isn’t fully soaked with e-liquid, you’ll get a burnt taste instead of the flavour you want.

This can happen if your e-liquid levels are too low, you didn’t prime your coil properly, or you’re using high-power vaping settings outside the recommended wattage range. To keep your vape tasting great, do this quick, three-step check:

• Check your e-liquid levels
• Make sure your coil is primed before you start vaping
• Set your power settings within the recommended wattage for your coil.

A little attention to these basics can save you from that burnt flavour and help you enjoy every puff.

Why Does My Vape Taste Like Plastic?

1. Brand-new device?

If your vape is fresh out of the box, that odd plastic note could be coming from leftover manufacturing materials (things like oils or residues from the assembly process). It’s a temporary issue and often clears up after a few puffs.

2. Heat and plastic don’t mix well

When certain plastic components get too hot, they can start to break down slightly, especially in lower-quality devices. This can release a plasticky flavour into the vapour, which is not ideal.

3. E-liquid contamination

If your e-liquid has been sitting for a while in a plastic bottle or stored somewhere warm, there’s a chance the flavour has picked up a bit of that plastic note. Switching to glass bottles and storing your juice in cool, dark places can make a real difference.

Other Causes of a Bad-Tasting Vape

Not all flavour issues are plastic-related; some are just general hiccups in your vape setup. Here’s what else might be going wrong:

• Burnt coils – If the cotton in your coil is dry or overused, it’ll taste burnt (and trust us, you’ll know). A burnt coil or coil head can result from using the wrong e-liquid, not having enough e-liquid, or chain vaping.
• Using a high VG e-liquid or an incorrect VG ratio for your vape coil or vape coils can lead to wicking issues, especially if the wicking ports are too small, resulting in burning or a burnt taste.
• Not having enough e-liquid in the tank or pod can prevent the wick inside from re-saturating quickly, leading to dry hits and burnt cotton.
• Old e-liquid – Over time, even the best juice starts to lose its magic.
• Wrong power setting – Too much wattage can scorch the coil; too little and your flavour may disappear.
• Buildup in your tank – Leftover residue can mix with fresh juice and throw off the taste completely.
• Matching your nicotine strength and throat hit preferences to your device and e-liquid is important; using the wrong e-liquid or nic salts in incompatible devices can affect flavour and cause issues.
• A faulty coil, even if it's a new coil or perfectly good coil installed, can still cause a burnt taste — replacing the coil or checking with the manufacturer may be necessary.
• Battery issues or improper use of the power button on your vaping device can also contribute to poor performance and flavour problems.
• Switching to new juice or changing flavours can help if the taste persists, and disposable vapes should be replaced if they taste burnt.
• General rule: Always check your device's specifications and use the correct e-liquid, wattage, and coil type for optimal performance. Other devices, such as box mods, may require different settings.

Power Problems: How High Wattage Can Wreck Flavour

Cranking up the power might seem like a good way to get bigger clouds, but high-power vaping can quickly ruin your flavour. When you set your device to a wattage that’s too high for your coil, the coil heats up too fast, and your e-liquid can’t keep up. This leads to a dry wick and those dreaded burnt hits.

You’ll notice a harsh, burnt taste instead of the smooth flavour you expect. Most devices let you adjust your power settings with variable wattage, so always check the recommended wattage range for your coil before you vape. If you’re getting burnt hits or your vape tastes burnt, try lowering the wattage and see if the flavour improves. Staying within the right power range helps your coil last longer, keeps your wick saturated, and makes every vaping experience more enjoyable.

Quick Fixes That Actually Work

• Prime new coils properly – Don’t rush. Let them soak up e-liquid for a few minutes before vaping. Always add a few drops of e liquid directly into the new coil to ensure it is fully saturated and to avoid dry hits.
• Give your kit a rinse – A quick clean between flavour changes can save you from mystery tastes.
• Double-check your wattage – Always match your settings to your coil’s recommendations.
• Upgrade your e-liquid game – Go for high-quality vape juice from trusted brands; it really does make a difference for flavour and coil longevity.

Pro Tips for Flavour You’ll Love

• Rotate your flavours – Vaping only one flavour for an extended period can lead to vaper’s tongue, a temporary loss of taste sensitivity where your taste buds become fatigued and flavours seem muted. Switching flavours helps prevent this.
• Stay hydrated – It helps you taste your vape properly.
• Choose better-built devices – Stainless steel and glass materials help keep flavour clean and crisp.

Don’t Let Flavour Fails Ruin Your Vape

Whether it’s a plasticky puff or a burnt aftertaste, most vape flavour issues have a simple fix. With the right setup, a little maintenance, and some quality e-liquid, you’ll be back to tasty clouds in no time.

Browse FREESMO’s full range of high-quality vapes and e-liquids now — and enjoy every puff the way it should taste.