13-Nov-2025

Vape Coils: Lifespan, Priming, Flavour Fixes & Maintenance

For adult users who enjoy vape kits or vape tanks, understanding vape coils can make a noticeable difference in vapour production, taste, and overall performance. Vape coils are key components inside vaping devices, and selecting and maintaining them properly can help avoid burnt taste, weak flavour, or reduced coil lifespan.

This guide explains how vape coils work, how long they last, how to prime them correctly, and common fixes for flavour loss.

What Is a Vape Coil?

A vape coil is the atomiser head inside a vaping device that heats vape liquid into vapour. Most vape coils are built as one replaceable unit that includes:

• A resistance wire or mesh coils (sometimes stainless steel or mesh wire)

• A cotton wick or other wicking material

• A metal casing for tank or pod compatibility

The type of coil used can affect:

• Flavour strength and complexity

• Vapour production

• Inhalation

• How frequently replacements are needed

Coil lifespan varies by usage but is typically 7–21 days with proper care.

Why Vape Coils Burn Out

The cotton wick inside the coil can degrade over time due to:

• Using high-sweetness e-liquids that caramelise on the wire

• Taking long or frequent puffs without allowing saturation

• Vaping at wattages higher than the recommended range

• Using High VG e-liquids in coils not designed for thick liquids

Signs of worn coils include:

• Burnt taste

• Gurgling sound when inhaling

• Leaking or reduced vapour production

• Flavour becoming weak or muted

How Long Does a Vape Coil Last?

Many factors influence coil lifespan, including e-liquid thickness and wattage. Adult users typically replace coils every:

• 1 week for frequent sub-ohm use

• 2–3 weeks for mouth to lung usage

• Up to 1 month with low-sweetness liquids and careful priming

Local market estimates show standard coil replacements typically range between EGP 100 and 200, depending on the coil type and shop location.

How to Fix “Vape No Flavour” With a New Coil

If there is no flavour after installing a new coil, possible causes include:

• The wick is not fully saturated

• Incompatible high VG liquid in coils designed for thinner mixes

• Too strong airflow dilutes the vapour

• Incorrect wattage range

Try these fixes:

• Allow more time for saturation after filling the tank

• Use mouth-to-lung coils for thinner liquids

• Check device wattage level settings

• Reduce airflow intensity

To learn more about vape liquids and flavour options, discover our guide to vape e-liquid flavours.

How to Prime a Vape Coil Correctly

Priming a new coil helps avoid burnt taste and extends lifespan. Follow these steps:

1. Install the new coil firmly into the vape tank

1. Add a few drops of vape juice directly on the cotton wick holes

1. Fill the tank, avoiding overfilling

1. Let the device stand upright for 5–10 minutes

1. Take a few light test puffs at low wattage

1. Gradually return to your usual settings over a few vape sessions

Correct coil priming protects the cotton wick and ensures a smooth vaping experience from the first inhalation.

Check out how to clean the e-cigarette tank and coil.

Coil Types and Compatibility

Choosing the right coil improves performance based on vaping preference:

Compatibility always depends on the vape tank or pod kits being used.

Many vape kits include options to switch between mouth-to-lung and direct-lung coils, giving adult users more flexibility in performance and flavour preference.

For a look at the difference in pod system devices, learn more in our article.

Advanced Option: Rebuild Vape Coils

Some experienced users prefer to build decks, resistance wire, and cotton wick to create rebuild coils.

Rebuildable atomisers offer highly customised performance but require attention to:

• Safety knowledge, such as Ohm’s Law

• Proper installation and secure fitting

• Device compatibility

• Regular maintenance

• Avoiding short circuits

Only knowledgeable adult users should attempt rebuildable atomisers.

Can Coils Cause Burnt Taste?

Yes, burnt taste is often caused by:

• Firing the device before saturation

• Running too high wattage

• Poor wicking material absorption

• Low vape liquid level in the tank

Maintaining proper coil saturation and staying within recommended wattage levels reduces the risk of burnt taste and helps extend coil lifespan.

Price Range and Availability

Coil availability varies by region and retailer, but here are the general price ranges:

• Standard replacement coils: EGP 100–200

• Mesh coil replacements: EGP 150–250

• Rebuildable supplies (cotton and wire): EGP 50–150

These estimates are not tied to specific brands and may vary depending on the seller and shop location.

Whether using pod devices, sub-ohm DTL coils, or more advanced vape kits, choosing compatible coils helps ensure stable performance and consistent flavour throughout coil lifespan.

Explore vape prices and types in Egypt in our guide.

Heated Tobacco as a Smoke-Free Alternative

Unlike vaping devices that rely on vape coils and wicking material, heated tobacco devices operate differently and do not require coils or e-liquid. This can provide a consistent experience without coil maintenance.

Learn more about device-based smoke-free alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Vape coils are essential for flavour, vapour production, and overall coil lifespan. Priming carefully, choosing the right resistance, and maintaining proper wattage can help avoid burnt taste and extend coil performance.

For adult users exploring heated tobacco options or smoke-free devices that do not require coil replacement and vape kits renewal, IQOS offers alternatives such as the IQOS ILUMA i PRIME Kit Bundle or the IQOS ILUMA ONE Kit Bundle without vapour, tanks, or atomiser maintenance.