Disposable vapes work by pulling e-liquid into a small wick, which a coil heats to create vapor. When you puff faster than the wick can soak up juice, the coil runs dry and starts to burn the wick. That’s the burnt, harsh taste you get. It can also happen if the airflow is blocked, making the coil run hotter than it should.

Most of the time, it’s a dry hit—not a dead device. But if you keep vaping through a burnt taste, you’re likely damaging the coil further, and there’s no coming back from that.