Dry Hits When Vaping: What They Are and How to Prevent Them

If you’ve ever taken a puff from your vape and felt an unexpected harsh, burnt sensation at the back of your throat — you’ve had a dry hit. It’s one of the most unpleasant experiences in vaping, and thankfully, it’s also totally avoidable. 


In this guide, we’ll explain what causes dry hits, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, how to stop them from happening again. 

🔍 What Is a Dry Hit?

A dry hit happens when the cotton inside your coil isn’t saturated with enough e-liquid, causing it to burn when heated. Instead of smooth vapour, you get a hot, dry, sometimes burnt-tasting puff — and it can feel rough on your throat. 

🚨 What Causes Dry Hits?


There are several reasons you might be getting dry hits. Here are the most common: 


1. Vaping with Low or No E-Liquid


The most obvious cause is simply running out of juice in your tank or pod. If there isn’t enough liquid to soak the coil, you’re heating dry cotton. 


Fix: Always keep your tank or pod at least half full. If you’re using a pod system, refill as soon as it starts looking low. 

2. Not Priming a New Coil


When you install a new coil, the cotton inside is completely dry. If you don’t wait for it to soak, the first few hits can burn the cotton — causing immediate dry hits and permanent damage to the coil. 


Fix: After filling your tank or pod, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before vaping. You can also add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil for faster priming. You could also take a few puffs your tank without firing (have your tank separate from the device when doing so) to draw the liquid through to prime it a little quicker.  

3. Using the Wrong VG/PG Ratio

High-VG liquids (like 70VG/30PG) are thicker and take longer to wick into the coil. If you’re using them in a device made for thinner 50/50 liquids, the coil may struggle to keep up — especially during heavy use. 
Fix:

• Use 50/50 e-liquid for pod kits and MTL devices 
• Use high VG e-liquid for sub-ohm tanks and DTL vaping 



👉 Check out our e-liquid range to match your device.

4. Chain Vaping (Puffing Too Quickly)


Taking multiple puffs in quick succession doesn’t give the coil enough time to re-soak between hits. This dries out the wick and increases the risk of a dry hit. This is especially prominent in thicker liquids as they take longer to wick. 


Fix: Take short breaks between puffs to let the coil re-saturate — especially when vaping at higher wattages or with thick e-liquid. 

5. Wattage Too High


Vaping at too high a wattage for your coil can vapourise e-liquid faster than it can be replenished. The result? A dry, hot hit. 


Fix: Always check the recommended wattage range printed on the coil and stay within it. 

6. Old or Burnt Coil

Over time, coils degrade and the cotton becomes less absorbent. You may start getting dry hits even with proper use.


Fix: Replace your coil regularly — typically every 1–2 weeks, depending on how much you vape. 

✅ How to Prevent Dry Hits


Here’s a quick summary of the best ways to avoid dry hits: 

• ✅ Keep your tank or pod topped up
• ✅ Prime new coils properly
• ✅ Use the correct VG/PG ratio for your device
• ✅ Take breaks between puffs
• ✅ Stay within the recommended wattage range
• ✅ Replace coils when flavour drops or hits feel dry

Final Thoughts


Dry hits are frustrating, but they’re also avoidable with the right habits and knowledge. Whether you’re new to vaping or a seasoned vaper, keeping your coil properly saturated is the key to smooth, flavourful clouds every time. 



👉 Need help finding the right coil or liquid for your vape? 

Explore our full range of coils & pods and e-liquids — all TPD-compliant and quality tested.