If you’ve ever taken a first puff on a new coil and been hit with a harsh, burnt taste, you’re not alone. This common mistake usually comes down to one thing: not priming the coil correctly. Priming a vape coil is a simple but crucial step that ensures your coil is fully saturated with e-liquid before it’s exposed to heat. Done properly, it prevents dry hits, protects the cotton from burning and helps the coil last longer. Whether you’re new to vaping or just switching to a new device, learning how to prime your coil properly makes a huge difference to both flavour and performance.
Why Priming Matters
Inside every coil is a wick, usually made of cotton, that draws in e-liquid and holds it against the heating element. When you activate your device, the coil heats up and vaporises the soaked liquid. If the cotton is dry or only partially saturated, the heat scorches the wick instead of turning liquid into vapour. This not only ruins the coil but also creates an unpleasant burnt flavour that’s hard to ignore.
Priming ensures the cotton has had enough time to fully absorb the e-liquid before any heat is applied. It’s the key to a smooth start, full flavour and a longer-lasting coil.
Preparing a New Coil
To begin, remove the old coil and insert the new one into your tank or pod system as directed by the manufacturer. Before you reassemble everything and fill the tank, it’s important to pre-saturate the wick. Look closely at the coil—you’ll see small holes in the metal casing. These expose the cotton inside.
Using your e-liquid, place a few drops directly onto these exposed areas. The liquid will begin to soak into the cotton. It’s also a good idea to drip a small amount directly into the centre of the coil if it’s accessible. This gives the wick a head start and prevents it from being dry when you first fill the tank.
Once you’ve pre-saturated the coil, assemble your tank and fill it with e-liquid as usual. Allow the filled tank to sit for at least five to ten minutes. This rest period gives the liquid time to fully saturate the wick from all sides. Some vapers call this “letting it soak” and it’s essential to ensure full saturation.
After the coil has soaked, it’s time to start vaping—but ease into it. Begin with a few gentle puffs without activating the fire button. This helps pull the liquid through the wick using natural airflow and ensures there are no dry spots. Once you’re ready to vape, take your first few draws at a lower wattage than you normally would. If your device allows for wattage adjustment, dial it down and gradually increase over the next few puffs.
The First Few Puffs
This gentle break-in process allows the coil to adjust to heat gradually, preserving the cotton and giving you better flavour and longer life from your coil.
Final Word
Priming a vape coil properly is a small but essential step that can make a big difference in your vaping experience. It prevents burnt hits, protects the wick and ensures full flavour from the very first puff. Taking a few extra minutes to do it right not only saves you money on coils but also delivers a smoother, cleaner vape every time. Once you’ve made priming part of your routine, it becomes second nature—and your device will thank you for it.
