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Posted by Andi Seabeck

FACILITY MANAGEMENT MARKET LEADER

in News

Updated 2025-11.25

Why Is My Vape Bubbling?——Vape Cartridge Filling Machine Secrets for Bubble-Free Puffs

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common causes of vape bubbling, show you practical fixes you can try right away, and then look behind the scenes at how a properly tuned vape cartridge filling machine can reduce these problems from the very beginning of the production process.

Common Causes of Vape Bubbling

Flooded Coil

A coil is considered flooded when it’s holding more e-liquid than it can reasonably turn into vapor. The wick is so saturated that the coil can’t keep up, and excess liquid is left sitting in the chamber instead of being fully evaporated. This most often happens when the tank is filled right up to the top with no air gap, which throws off internal pressure, or when very thin, high-PG e-liquid rushes through the cotton too quickly. Once flooding sets in, you’ll usually notice bubbling and gurgling, a clear drop in vapor output, and sometimes even droplets of e-liquid spitting into the mouthpiece.

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Incorrect Wattage

Every coil has a recommended power range for a reason. If your wattage is set below that range, the coil never gets quite hot enough to properly vaporize the e-liquid soaked into the wick. Instead of turning cleanly into vapor, some of the liquid lingers around the coil and begins to pool. That leftover liquid is what causes the gurgling and bubbling you hear while drawing, and it often makes the vape feel flat, weak, or “underpowered.” If you keep vaping like this, the cotton can become heavily oversaturated, which increases the chance of flooding and more persistent bubbling.

Inhaling Too Hard

Very forceful inhales can overload the coil just as easily as using the wrong power setting. When you pull hard on the device, you drag more e-liquid toward the coil than it can handle at that moment. Air races through the chamber, the wick soaks up liquid faster, and the coil doesn’t have enough time or heat to keep pace. Extra liquid starts to collect around the coil, showing up as bubbling, gurgling, and sometimes hot droplets hitting your lips. Repeated heavy pulls can feel a lot like chain vaping—where the coil barely gets a break between puffs—and that constant pressure can push it into an unstable, inconsistent state.

Issues from the Vape Cartridge Filling Machine

Some bubbling issues actually begin long before the first puff—right at the filling line. If a vape cartridge filling machine traps tiny air bubbles in the oil or doesn’t properly degas the formulation, those bubbles can interfere with how the wick absorbs liquid once the cartridge is in use. Air pockets break up the smooth flow of e-liquid, causing uneven wicking and sudden bursts of bubbling when a bubble finally reaches the coil. Inconsistent fill levels add to the problem: slightly overfilled carts are more likely to flood early, while slightly underfilled ones leave extra air in the chamber and make pressure and vaporization less stable. These small production flaws often show up later as gurgling, weak hits, bubbling, or generally unreliable vapor once the consumer starts vaping.

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How to Solve Vape Bubbling

For a Flooded Coil: Check Fill Level & Liquid Thickness

If your coil keeps flooding, the first thing to check is how much e-liquid you’re putting in. Filling a tank or pod all the way to the top leaves no room for air, which is essential for keeping internal pressure stable. Without that small air gap, liquid can get pushed straight into the coil and overwhelm it. Leaving even a little space at the top helps the system breathe and reduces the chance of accidental flooding.

If the issue continues, look at the thickness of your e-liquid. Very thin, high-PG blends move through the wick extremely fast and can oversaturate the coil even when you’re filling correctly. A slightly thicker, higher-VG formula slows the flow enough to keep the wick healthy without drowning it. This simple switch can noticeably cut down on bubbling and gurgling.

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For Incorrect Wattage: Adjust Power to the Coil’s Range

If you’re hearing bubbling and your vapor feels weak, your wattage might be the culprit. Coils are designed to work within a specific power range, and when your wattage is set too low, the coil never gets hot enough to fully vaporize the liquid it’s absorbing. That leftover liquid lingers around the coil, builds up, and causes gurgling and muted flavor.

If adjusting the wattage doesn’t fix the issue, check the coil itself. A coil that’s a little loose, slightly misaligned, or worn out won’t heat evenly no matter what power you set. Reseating or replacing it often clears up the bubbling and brings the device back to normal performance.

For Inhaling Too Hard: Change Your Puff Style

Sometimes bubbling has nothing to do with the device—it’s simply how you’re using it. Very forceful inhales pull more liquid into the coil than it can vaporize, especially on smaller pod systems. That excess liquid collects inside the coil housing and turns into bubbling, gurgling, or occasional spitback.

Try softening your draw. Short, slow, gentle puffs give the coil enough time to keep up with the liquid being pulled into the wick. This small habit change can make the vape feel smoother, more stable, and far less messy.

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For Filling-Related Issues: Optimize the Vape Cartridge Filling Machine Setup

If bubbling appears across multiple cartridges—not just one device—the issue may originate during production. Uneven fill levels, trapped air bubbles, or unstable oil temperature during filling can all disrupt how well the wick absorbs liquid once the cartridge is in use.

This is where the vape cartridge filling machine makes all the difference. A properly tuned machine dispenses consistent oil volumes, removes as much trapped air as possible, and fills at a steady temperature so the oil flows smoothly. When these factors are controlled, cartridges come off the line with fewer hidden bubbles, more accurate fill volumes, and a stable internal environment. For the user, that translates to fewer early floods, fewer weak or bubbly hits, and a vaping experience that stays consistent from the first puff to the last.

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The Secrets Behind Vape Cartridge Filling Machines — Why They Reduce Bubbling

A good vape cartridge filling machine doesn’t just squirt oil into a cart; it carefully controls both how much goes in and how that oil is delivered. Precise dosing makes sure each cartridge gets the right amount of e-liquid—not a little too much (which can flood the coil) and not too little (which leaves excess air and throws off pressure). This consistent fill level gives every cartridge a stable starting point and helps cut down on bubbling, flooding, and random performance differences from one unit to another.

Another big factor is degassing and bubble control during the filling process. Thick vape oil can easily trap tiny air pockets while it’s being mixed and handled. If those bubbles end up near the wick or coil, they interrupt liquid flow, create dry spots, and later show up as bubbling, gurgling, or weak hits. Advanced vape cartridge filling machines often use vacuum-assisted or bubble-free filling to pull those hidden bubbles out before the oil ever enters the cart, so the wick sees a smooth, continuous column of oil instead of a patchy mix of liquid and air.

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Finally, temperature and flow control matter more than most people realize. A quality vape cart filling machine keeps the oil at a steady, ideal temperature so it’s not too thick to move or so thin that it splashes, foams, or traps extra air. Stable temperature combined with controlled flow means the oil enters the cartridge smoothly and evenly around the wick ports. Paired with proper sealing and capping after filling, this helps maintain internal pressure and gives the coil a clean, predictable environment—greatly reducing the chances of bubbling once the user starts vaping.

Read more:

https://longwillmachinery.com/Blog/what-do-vape-cart-filling-machines-have-to-do-with-it.html

https://longwillmachinery.com/Blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-filling-machine-a-buyers-guide-for-automation.html


Conclusion

Bubbling, gurgling, and weak hits can be frustrating, but they’re rarely a mystery once you know what to look for. Flooded coils, low wattage, aggressive inhales, and filling defects all have clear warning signs—and, just as importantly, straightforward solutions you can apply by adjusting your filling habits, power settings, or puff style.