Why Does My Vape Pop and Crackle?

Have you heard your vape crackle? If you're new to vaping, the sounds it makes can be surprising. From crackling and popping to a whoosh, these common noises quickly become part of the experience.

Understanding these sounds is necessary for improving your vaping journey. By familiarising yourself with what constitutes "normal" noise, you’ll be better equipped to identify any changes that might indicate a problem. 

In this post, we’ll explore the various sounds your vape might make, explain why they occur, and help you discern between good and bad noises.

Popping, crackling, and spitting sounds can initially be startling, but they are commonly normal when using a vape. These noises arise from the atomiser coil in your vape tank, especially when you fire up the device. 

Initially, you might hear these sounds as the e-liquid heats and vaporises. They usually fade as you continue to vape. But if you haven’t used your device in a while, the sounds might be more pronounced on your first puff.

While some noise is expected during vaping, excessive popping or crackling may indicate a potential issue with your device or how you’re using it. Spitting occurs when hot e-liquid unexpectedly squirts into your mouth, which can be unpleasant. This often follows the popping and crackling noises.

The root cause of these sounds often lies in the coil's construction. Traditional coils have metal wires wrapped around wicking material, but gaps can form where e-liquid pools. The absorbed e-liquid vaporises when heated, but any pooled liquid may not, resulting in crackling and potential spitting. 

Taking long draws can also lead to excessive e-liquid entering the coil without fully vaporising, contributing to these annoying sounds.

If the wattage is too low, you may notice an increase in these sounds. Using a low-ohm device often correlates with lower wattage and voltage, so your device might not be heating the e-liquid effectively.

When the heating process is inadequate, the e-liquid can heat without fully vaporizing. This leads to the popping sounds. Know that incomplete vaporization can result in spitting, where excess e-liquid overflows from the tank. 

Adjusting your wattage to match your device's specifications can reduce these noises and enhance your overall vaping experience.

When too much e-liquid saturates the coil, it overwhelms the heating element and makes vaporising the liquid effectively difficult. 

• Unvaporised e-liquid can accumulate, resulting in popping noises as the coil struggles to heat the surplus liquid.
• An overloaded coil can also lead to spitting, where hot e-liquid is forced up through the mouthpiece. This happens when the coil can't quickly vaporise all the liquid, causing overflow.

Ensure your coil is properly primed and not overly saturated to avoid these issues. Taking shorter, gentler puffs can help regulate the amount of e-liquid reaching the coil. Regular upkeep and cleaning of your device can also minimise excess e-liquid buildup for a smoother vaping experience.

T-twisted, plaited, or braided coils create gaps similar to the holes in hair plaits, allowing e-liquid to seep in and contribute to unwanted noises. Different styles of coils inside your atomiser head can also play a role. 

For example, mesh coils or those with multiple strands provide a larger surface area for vaporising e-liquids. While this can enhance flavour and vapour production, the increased activity can lead to louder sounds while vaping.

These noises tend to be more pronounced when your atomiser head is new. After a day or two of use, the sounds naturally become less noticeable as the coil beds in.

The composition of your e-liquid, particularly the ratio of Propylene Glycol (PG) to Vegetable Glycerin (VG), is a factor in the noise level of your vape. 

While many vapers prefer PG for its stronger flavour, if you’re experiencing frequent popping, it might be worthwhile to switch to a VG-based e-liquid for a quieter experience.

• Smaller devices generally operate at lower temperatures and are compatible with thinner e-liquids, which can exacerbate the noise. 
• Excessive e-liquid can pool in the coil, subjecting it to the heating element and amplifying the crackling sounds.  

While some noise is normal, managing your e-liquid composition can help reduce those unwanted sounds and enhance your overall vaping experience.

The type of e-liquid you use can significantly influence the sounds your vape produces.

• Thinner liquids, usually higher in PG, produce louder crackling and popping sounds.
• Thicker liquids with a higher VG content create a more subdued noise profile.

Flavour additives and sweeteners can also contribute to noise production. Some ingredients may vaporise differently, leading to variations in sound as the coil heats the e-liquid.

Increasing the power can help minimise excess liquid from leaking into the coil head. However, you must ensure your coil is compatible with your chosen wattage.

Lowering the power can reduce noise, but the crackling may persist longer during use. Experiment with different power settings to find the balance that best suits your vaping preferences.

“Priming” is manually applying e-liquid to the wicking material in your coil. While ensuring the wicking material is adequately saturated is essential, be cautious not to overfill the chamber. 

 Excess e-liquid can lead to overflow, resulting in annoying noises or spitting. Instead, apply a small amount and allow the wicking material to fully absorb the liquid before using your device.

Consider opting for thicker e-liquids with a higher VG ratio to help mitigate popping and crackling sounds. VG e-juices are less viscous than PG, making them less likely to flood your atomiser. 

But, you must remain informed about the ingredients in your e-liquids. Each type has its own characteristics and potential effects. Balancing the VG/PG ratio according to your device and preferences can enhance flavour and performance while reducing unwanted noises.

Obstructions in the chimney can disrupt airflow, leading to crackling sounds and spitting. Before using your vape, ensure it is clean and ready to go.

To avoid replacing your vape coil, a few sharp flicks downward can help dislodge excess e-liquid. This simple action can reduce crackling and prevent spit-back—just do this over a paper towel or sink to catch any liquid.

Using cotton wool, a paper towel, or cotton buds to wipe away excess e-juice from the mouthpiece can further limit crackling noises. Regular maintenance goes a long way in enhancing both flavor and functionality.

Crackling and popping sounds from your vape are normal. However, certain issues may trigger these noises. Factors like wattage settings, coil design, e-liquid composition, and even maintenance can influence sound levels. 

By adjusting power settings, ensuring proper coil priming, choosing appropriate VG/PG ratios, and regularly cleaning your device, you can minimise unwanted noises and enhance your vaping experience.

For a smoother, more enjoyable vaping journey, consider implementing these tips and explore the exceptional range of products at RELX for optimal performance!