Changing your vape flavour: a step-by-step guide

In short:

With prefilled pods and disposable devices, you change flavour by swapping the pod or the device.

With refillable pods and tanks: empty the tank, clean it, dry it, ideally fit a new coil, prime it and wait.

The coil holds the most flavour. When switching between very different flavours, a fresh coil is almost always worth it.

Your favourite liquid has run out, or you simply want to try something new. Changing flavour sounds simple, but if you go about it unprepared, you quickly end up with an unpleasant mix of tastes. Residual flavour from the old liquid clings to the coil and wick, and the new flavour never really comes through. This guide shows you what you need, how to switch step by step, which mistakes to avoid and how to check the result.

What you need to change flavour

Before you start, take a quick look at your device and get a few things ready. Good preparation saves time and frustration.

Clean, lint-free paper towels
Warm water (for tanks and pods you can rinse)
A spare coil or spare pod (depending on the device)
New liquid in the flavour you want
A small bowl for draining

The type of device is what matters most. With prefilled pod systems such as the ELFA Pro, switching is very easy: pod out, new pod with a different flavour in. The ELFA Pro is a rechargeable pod system, not a disposable. Refillable pods and tanks give you more freedom but need some care: empty, clean, fill with new liquid. You can find an overview of current devices in the pod systems category.

The liquid itself also plays a role. Its viscosity affects how well the wick absorbs it. VG-heavy liquids (vegetable glycerin) are thicker and better suited to larger atomisers. PG-heavy liquids (propylene glycol) are thinner and work better in small pod systems. Find out more in our article on vape liquid quality and on the difference between nicotine salt and freebase liquid.

Device type	Cleaning effort	Flexibility when switching	Suitable liquid
Pod system with prefilled pods	No cleaning needed	Swap the pod	Set by the manufacturer
Refillable pod system	Medium	High	Mostly PG, often nicotine salt
Larger tank atomiser	High	Very high	Mostly VG
Disposable vape	No switching possible	None	Fixed

One more point: nicotine strength can feel different after switching. If you move from a strong menthol flavour to a mild fruit flavour, the same strength often feels more intense because the flavour "masks" less. Keep that in mind when buying.

Step by step: how to change flavour properly

Empty the tank. Vape the remaining liquid as far as possible without letting the wick run dry.
Take the tank apart and rinse it. Remove the tank or pod (take the coil out first) and rinse the parts with warm water, without washing-up liquid. Let everything air-dry completely, for at least 30 minutes.
Check the coil and replace it if necessary. A used coil stores flavour deep in the wick. For a really clean taste, a new coil is the most important step.
Fit the new coil and prime it. Drip 3 to 5 drops of liquid directly onto the coil's wick before fitting it, so the wick is pre-soaked. Then fill the tank.
Wait. Wait 5 to 10 minutes after filling. The wick must be fully saturated, otherwise it will burn on the first puff.
Start gently. Take short, gentle puffs. The new flavour usually only fully develops after a few puffs.

Rule of thumb: a fresh coil is the most important step for a clean flavour change. Without it, you risk a mixed taste.

Tip: normal tap water is fine for cleaning the tank. What matters is that all parts are completely dry before you add new liquid. Even small drops of water noticeably dilute the flavour. If you are new to vaping, our beginner's guide to vaping in Switzerland will help.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Tank not completely emptied: just a few drops of old liquid can distort the new flavour.
Coil not replaced: the old coil is the most common reason for a persistent mixed taste.
Waiting too briefly: puffing too early risks a dry hit. The burnt taste often stays until the coil is replaced.
Wrong storage: liquids exposed to sunlight or heat lose flavour. Store them cool, dark and out of reach of children.
Too many flavours at once: if you switch every day, it is hard to judge which flavour you really like.

An underestimated topic is how your sense of smell gets used to a flavour. If you vape the same liquid for a long time, you perceive it less and less. Switching to a completely different category, such as from fruit to menthol, can make the taste seem clearer again. For inspiration, see our articles on popular vape flavours and different vape flavours.

Tip: between two similar flavours, such as strawberry and raspberry, a thorough tank clean without a coil change is often enough. If you switch between very different categories, for example from tobacco to menthol, a new coil almost always makes sense.

Checking the result

The first clue is the smell: open the tank after filling and take a quick sniff. The new flavour should be clearly noticeable, without traces of the old liquid. The second test is the first puff: a clean switch shows immediately, with no unwanted aftertaste.

Sign	Meaning	Solution
Clear new flavour	Switch successful	Enjoy
Mixed taste	Residue in tank or coil	Clean the tank again, replace the coil
Burnt aftertaste	Wick not saturated	Replace the coil, wait longer next time
Hardly any taste	Coil worn out or liquid not suited to the device	Replace the coil, check the liquid
Liquid leaks	Seal defective or fitted incorrectly	Check the tank, replace the seal

Thicker VG liquids in particular need longer to soak the wick, up to 15 minutes. Taking that time is rewarded with a clearer flavour.

Our tip: enjoy variety consciously

Many people change flavour too often. The choice is huge, but if you switch every week, you lose track of what you really like. Give a new flavour two to three weeks before moving on. That way you get to know the nuances: the sweetness on the finish, the coolness on the inhale.

A deliberate switch is also easier on the coil. Frequent changes without thorough cleaning shorten its life. Switching less often but more purposefully saves coils, and therefore money. Small rituals help: a fresh coil, a quick smell test before the first puff.

New flavours at Snustrend

Want to try new flavours right away? For refillable devices you will find e-liquids and nicotine salt liquids, for example from ELFLIQ. If you prefer convenience, choose a pod system with prefilled pods such as the ELFA Pro or browse the Aroma King range. For taxes and cantonal rules, see our articles on vape tax in Switzerland and cantonal bans on disposable vapes.

Frequently asked questions about changing vape flavour

How often can I change the flavour of my vape?

As often as you like. For a clean taste, clean the tank thoroughly and replace the coil regularly, especially when switching between very different flavours.

Why can I still taste the old liquid after switching?

Residual flavour clings to the coil and wick if the tank was not cleaned or the coil not replaced. A thorough tank clean and a new coil ensure a clear taste.