The coil is the part of your kit that heats e-liquid into vapour, and it wears out over time. Knowing when to change it, and priming a new one properly, is the simplest way to keep your vape tasting as it should.
Signs it’s time to change your coil
- A burnt or dry taste that doesn’t go away after refilling.
- Flavour that tastes muted or “off”, even with a fresh e-liquid.
- Gurgling or spitting that doesn’t clear.
- E-liquid in the tank or pod turning noticeably darker.
- Less vapour than usual at your normal settings.
How long does a coil last?
There is no fixed answer. A coil can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how much you vape, the power you use and the e-liquid. Very sweet e-liquids tend to clog coils faster, and running a coil above its recommended wattage shortens its life.
Make sure you have the right coil
Coils are made for specific tanks or pods, so check that a replacement is listed as compatible with your kit. The resistance, measured in ohms (Ω), tells you what style of vaping it is designed for:
| Resistance | Vaping style | Typical e-liquid |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0Ω and above | Mouth-to-lung (MTL) | Nic salts, 50/50 freebase |
| 0.6Ω to 0.9Ω | MTL or restricted direct-to-lung | 50/50 freebase, lower-strength nic salts |
| Below 0.5Ω | Direct-to-lung (sub-ohm) | High-VG shortfills at 3mg–6mg |
The recommended wattage range is printed on the coil or its packaging. Stay within it.
How to change a coil
Pod kits with replaceable coils
- Remove the pod from the device and empty any remaining e-liquid.
- Pull the old coil straight out of the bottom of the pod.
- Push the new coil firmly into place until it is fully seated.
Tank kits
- Unscrew the tank from the battery and empty it.
- Unscrew the tank base and remove the old coil.
- Screw the new coil in hand-tight, then reassemble the tank.
How to prime a new coil
Priming means soaking the cotton wick before you vape, so the coil never heats dry cotton.
- Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the exposed cotton through the side holes, and a few into the open top of the coil.
- Fit the coil and fill the pod or tank.
- Leave it to stand for 5 to 10 minutes, or longer for thick, high-VG e-liquids.
- On a button-fired kit, take a few gentle puffs without pressing the button to draw e-liquid through.
- Start at the lower end of the coil’s wattage range and work up gradually.
Tips to make coils last longer
- Keep the e-liquid level above the coil’s wick holes.
- Pause between puffs rather than chain vaping.
- Use the wattage recommended for the coil.
- If you often use very sweet e-liquids, expect to change coils more often.
Still getting a burnt taste with a new coil? Work through our vape troubleshooting guide. Replacement coils and pods for popular kits are in stock.
