The #1 reason carts burn: power is too high for wicking speed

Cartridges don’t “burn” because the battery is defective—most of the time, the coil is simply being driven at a power level where the oil can’t re-saturate the wick fast enough. That leaves the coil partially dry, and dry coil = burnt taste.

Most common real-world triggers

1. Voltage too high (especially the first hit of the day)
2. Oil too thick (cold rooms, winter, high-viscosity oils)
3. Chain-hitting with no cooldown
4. No preheat so the user cranks voltage to compensate
5. Airflow restriction (concealed batteries, tight draws)

Voltage settings that reduce burnt taste (simple store-friendly guidance)

If you want fewer returns and less “this battery burned my cart,” train customers to use a simple method: Start low → step up only if needed → avoid living on max heat.

Low / medium / high heat behavior

• Low voltage: best for flavor, smoother hits, often safer for thick THC oils.
• Medium voltage: balanced vapor and warmth, usually the best default.
• High voltage: dense vapor, but highest risk of burnt flavor and clogging.

Deep-dive voltage page: 510 Battery Voltage Settings: Low vs Medium vs High

Preheat mode: the right way to use it (and how it prevents burning)

Preheat isn’t “more heat.” It’s a gentle warm-up so thick oil can flow. Used correctly, it reduces the urge to jump straight to high voltage.

• Use preheat once if the cart is cold or clogged.
• After preheat, hit on low or medium.
• Avoid spamming preheat + max voltage back-to-back.

mAh and battery size: why “bigger battery” doesn’t automatically solve burning

Capacity (mAh) affects runtime, not necessarily heat. A high-mAh battery can still burn carts if the voltage range starts too high or the user stays on high settings.

mAh breakdown page: 510 Battery mAh Guide: Size, Runtime, and Performance

Where disposables fit into the “burnt hit” conversation

Disposables can also taste burnt, but the causes differ. With disposables, the battery and coil are built together, so the user has less control. Many disposables are designed to produce strong vapor consistently, which can run warmer than what some carts tolerate on a 510 setup.

Why disposables may feel “hotter” than some 510 setups

• Less user adjustment (no stepping down to a true low setting)
• Some disposables prioritize punch over flavor preservation
• Airflow and coil design are fixed, so user technique matters even more

Disposable comparison page: 510 vs Disposable: Heat, Temperature Feel, and Voltage Differences

Retail/wholesale takeaway: how to reduce returns and complaints

• Stock batteries with a true low setting and clear UX indicators.
• Use simple signage: “Start Low, Step Up” and “Use Preheat Once If Cold.”
• Merchandise multiple styles using 510 battery displays.