How to Make Water Boil Faster

Whether you're cooking your favorite pasta or blanching vegetables as your meal's side dish, boiling water is a common practice in most kitchens. But waiting for water to boil—especially when you're hungry—is no fun. Ahead, we debunk common myths about boiling water and share five ways to make water boil faster, so you can get to digging in sooner.

Common Myths

There are many ways to speed up the process of boiling water, but it's also easy to fall for some common myths. Before we get to how to make water boil faster, let's clear up some of the misconceptions.

Myth #1: Salt Makes Water Boil Faster

One particularly stubborn myth is that adding salt will make water boil faster. Salt does not make water boil faster and actually raises the boiling point of water.

In large amounts, salt can make water boil faster by lowering water's specific heat, but the amount of salt used in cooking applications is so small that it won't make a difference with timing. Consider this myth debunked, but what will always hold true is that you should season your water—especially for pasta!

Myth #2: Cold Water Boils Faster Than Hot Water

Another myth that directly contradicts the truth is that cold water will boil faster than hot. Sometimes, the obvious answer really is the right one: Hot tap water will absolutely come to a boil faster than cold.

Myth #3: Baking Soda Helps Water Boil Faster

Don't believe everything you hear: Baking soda will not help your water come to a boil faster. But make sure to keep some on hand for everyday cleaning and baking purposes.

5 Ways to Make Water Boil Faster

Now that we've debunked the myths, here's what you need to do to get boiling.

Keep the Pot Covered

Trying to boil water in an uncovered pot is a little like trying to run backward up a hill: You'll get there eventually, but why struggle? Just fit a lid snugly on top and you'll easily shave a few minutes off your time.

Spread Out

Increasing the surface area by using a wide pot or pan exposes more of the water to the hottest part of the pot, which is the bottom. It works great for thin vegetables like green beans that can flatten out in a skillet but are not the best option for foods that require a deep pot like a head of cabbage.

Use Less Water

Not everything you cook will need a giant vat of water—not even pasta! Just make sure you stir occasionally to keep the food circulating.

Take a Shortcut with Your Kettle

Using an electric kettle will jumpstart the boiling process. Boiling water in an electric kettle before pouring it into the pot to boil again may seem cumbersome, but it's a great time saver nonetheless.

Cook in High Altitudes

This last tip isn't very useful for anyone living at sea level, but it's still good to know. At sea level, water boils at 212°F, but the higher you go in elevation, the lower the boiling point will be, reducing the time it takes to boil by a few minutes.