Trouble Using Your CCELL Coil or Cartridge? Here’s the Solution

You’re probably well acquainted with CCELL cartridges by now if you’re reading this piece. If you’re unfamiliar, CCELL is a revolutionary new vaping technology based around a ceramic CCELL coil with nano cut holes that allow for improved taste, smooth draws, and less leakage. While the CCELL design continues to receive widespread critical acclaim, some users have experienced a few issues that are actually pretty easy to remedy. Here are a few troubleshooting questions we’ve received about CCELL coils and cartridges and some of the most common solutions to these minor issues.

Why is My Wax Darkening and Tasting Sweeter?

On rare occasions, users of CCELL cartridges have noted that, when their oil is running low, the substance darkens in color and begins to take on a sweeter flavor. There are actually a few different reasons why this could be happening, but all are easy enough to fix.

• If you’re using a variable voltage vape pen, you may want to experiment with your settings a bit. In our tests, 3.8 – 4.0 volts (or 10 – 12 watts) works well without any oil discoloration or flavor issues.
• Many concentrates on the market have undergone a process that removes lipids and waxes called winterization. There are other methods to extract lipids and waxes but winterization dissolves the oil into a solvent at subzero temperatures to pluck out undesirable components. Products that have not been winterized are more prone to experience the discoloration issue with CCELL cartridges. Of course, a CCELL can still handle concentrates that have not been winterized, but if you’re experiencing this issue, it’s worth looking into whether your oil was winterized.
• CCELL coils and cartridges were designed to work with thick oils so you may want to examine the viscosity of your wax if none of the above seems to be the problem. Oils that are too thin can run into this issue, so you may want to try some thicker oils or distillates the next time you hit up the dispensary or, if you’re making your own, err on the thicker side. If you’re already using an oil with thick viscosity, your CCELL coil may be clogged and need a bit of cleaning.

My CCELL Coil and/or Cartridge Keeps Clogging Up

Speaking of a clogged CCELL coil, what happens if you’re experiencing a truly clogged cartridge? You’re probably saying “Why won’t my cart hit?” for starters. Here are a few ideas on how to unclog a cart.

• You may be hitting your vape too “hard.” If you’re not accustomed to the airflow of CCELLs you’re used to standard vaping technology, CCELLs work a bit differently than other cartridges. CCELLs typically respond better to slow, consistent draws. Intense draws can contribute to clogging your cartridge and/or coil by violently pulling the oil forward. Remember, CCELLs are designed for thick oils so this can become problematic quickly.
• Are you clearing your cartridge of vapor with each draw? If you’ve been neglecting to clear your CCELL carts, excess vapor could eventually settle into a stubborn blockage.
• One trick to get a block unclogged quickly is to hold it upside down when you take your draw. This positions your coil in such a way as to burn away the blockage with any of the unburned portion draining to the mouthpiece where it can be cleaned away. This method will still require you to manually clean the cartridge, though.
• If all else fails, you can always fall back on the old lighter/hair dryer trick. Simply hold a lighter up to the clogged portion of your CCELL or blast it with a hair dryer on high heat for a few seconds. It seems basic but it can get the job done.

When Should I Switch Out My CCELL?

If you’re new to CCELLs (and, let’s face it, we’re all a bit green because it’s new technology), you may be wondering about the right time to swap out your CCELL cartridge. Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this question.

• In general, vaping at lower temperatures will allow you to get more use out of your CCELL cartridge while reliably preserving the flavor of your concentrates. One trick you can use to extend the longevity of your CCELL cartridge is topping it off well before it gets close to empty.
• However, if you’re refilling your CCELL cartridge and you're noticing that the flavor is off or the vapor isn’t pulling as efficiently, you can regard it as a good indicator that it’s time to swap out your cart. It’s best to do this as soon as possible. Having an oil syringe on hand can make this easy since you can use it to suck up the remaining oil from a bad CCELL cartridge.

These minor challenges can be frustrating if you don’t realize that the solutions are simple. In our experience, the CCELL technology is a definite improvement on the models of the past and is typically an easy adjustment when switching over from standard vape coils and carts. Problems with CCELLs aren’t common but they can happen. With these solutions, you should be back on track with those silky, flavorful draws in no time.