You’ve just opened a brand-new disposable vape, anticipating a delicious flavour, but the first puff is harsh and tastes burnt. It’s a frustrating experience that can ruin your excitement. Why does my new vape taste burnt? The good news is that this is a common issue, and it’s usually very easy to fix. This expert vape troubleshooting Australia guide will walk you through the simple steps to solve this problem and others. And remember, when you shop with us, you’re always protected.
That Unpleasant Surprise: Why Your Vape Might Taste Burnt
Before you worry that you’ve received a faulty device, understand that a burnt vape taste from a new disposable is rarely a sign of a major defect. More often than not, it’s caused by the cotton wicking material inside the coil burning slightly before it has been fully saturated with e-liquid. This can happen during shipping or if it’s used incorrectly right out of the box. Let’s get it sorted.
First Steps: The Pre-flight Checklist for Your New Disposable Vape
Before you do anything else, run through this simple two-step checklist. This solves the problem for over 90% of users experiencing issues with a new disposable vape not working correctly.

Check for Protective Seals and Stickers
Manufacturers place small, often clear, plastic seals on new vapes to prevent leaking and accidental activation during transit. The most common culprit is a tiny sticker covering the airflow hole at the base of the device. If this isn’t removed, you’ll be pulling a vacuum, which prevents e-liquid from reaching the coil and causes a burn. Check the mouthpiece for a silicone plug as well.
Give it a “Primer Puff” (Don’t Inhale Fully at First)
This is a pro tip. After removing all seals, take a few short, gentle puffs without inhaling. Think of it like sipping a thick milkshake through a straw. This action helps draw the e-liquid into the cotton wick for the first time, ensuring it’s fully saturated before you apply full heat. This simple step can prevent a burnt vape taste from ever happening.

Diagnosing the “Burnt Vape Taste”: Common Causes and Solutions
If you’ve done the pre-flight check and the taste is still off, another factor might be at play. Understanding why it happens can help you avoid it in the future.
“Chain Vaping”: Are You Vaping Too Fast?
Are you taking many puffs in quick succession? This is known as “chain vaping.” When you vape too quickly, the wick doesn’t have enough time to re-saturate with e-liquid between puffs. The coil gets too hot and burns the dry cotton, leading to that unpleasant taste. The solution is simple: slow down your pace and allow at least 15-20 seconds between puffs.
Is the E-liquid Running Low?
A burnt taste is also the primary sign that your disposable vape is nearing the end of its life. When the e-liquid is almost gone, the wick can no longer stay fully saturated, and you’ll start to taste the burnt cotton. If you’ve been using the vape for a while, it’s likely time for a new one. Time for a replacement? Explore our authentic vapes.
Storage Matters: Was Your Vape Left in the Heat?
Leaving your vape in a hot car or in direct sunlight in Australia can affect the e-liquid’s consistency. This can sometimes lead to wicking issues. Always store your vapes in a cool, dry place to ensure optimal performance and flavour.

What If My New Disposable Vape is Not Working at All?
Beyond a bad taste, sometimes a device simply won’t produce any vapour. What should you do if your vape is not hitting?
Is the Battery Dead on Arrival? (A Rare but Possible Issue)
While extremely rare for quality brands like IGET and Alibarbar, a device can occasionally have a battery issue. If you’ve removed all seals and the device shows no signs of life (no light, no sound, no vapour), this could be the cause.
Check for Airflow Blockage
Ensure the airflow holes, usually at the base of the device, are not blocked by your hand or any debris. If the air can’t get in, the device’s draw-activation sensor won’t trigger, and it won’t produce vapour.

Still No Luck? Our Lifetime Warranty Has You Covered
We want every experience with our products to be perfect. If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your new vape is still not working correctly, do not worry. Every single vape purchased from AuVapeNearby is backed by our industry-leading lifetime warranty. This is our promise to you. There’s no need for frustration; a solution is just a message away.
For any issues with a new or existing device, please contact our Australian support team with your order number. We will arrange a hassle-free replacement or a full refund. Your satisfaction is our absolute priority.
More Vape Troubleshooting Questions (FAQ)
Why is my vape gurgling or spitting?
A gurgling sound usually means the coil is oversaturated or “flooded” with e-liquid. This can sometimes happen due to changes in air pressure or if the device has been shaken. Usually, a few gentle puffs will clear it. If it persists, flicking the device gently away from you can help clear the excess liquid.
Why does my vape feel hard to draw from?
This is almost always caused by an airflow blockage. Double-check that all protective stickers have been removed from the air intake holes at the base. Also, make sure your fingers aren’t accidentally covering these holes while you are using the device.
Can I fix a disposable vape that fell in water?
Unfortunately, if a disposable vape is submerged in water, it is almost certainly permanently damaged and unsafe to use. Do not attempt to charge or use a water-damaged device. Our lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects, but not accidental damage like this. The best solution is to responsibly dispose of it as electronic waste and get a new vape from a trusted vape shop.