How to prime a coil or new pod
The steps that let wicking material absorb e-liquid before firing, which helps avoid a burnt first hit.
Published 17 Sept 2026Last reviewed 17 Sept 2026Reviewed by Vape Hero product team
Priming means letting the wicking material soak up e-liquid before the coil is heated. Firing a dry coil is the most common way to ruin a new pod or coil.
Steps - Fit the new pod or coil. - For a refillable pod, fill it and, if the manufacturer suggests it, add a drop of e-liquid onto the exposed wicking holes. - Leave it to stand for the time the manufacturer states, commonly five to ten minutes. - Take two or three short draws without firing, if the device has a button. - Start at the lower end of the coil's power range for the first few puffs.
Prefilled pods Sealed prefilled pods arrive already filled, but still benefit from a few minutes standing upright in the device before the first puff.
If a burnt taste appears immediately on a brand-new pod, stop using it and check the pod is seated correctly.