Why is it faster to boil water with the lid on

In summary, there is a limit on how much water vapor air can hold and when it reaches that limit, it takes more heat to put water vapor into the air. This results in moisture saturated air making water boil faster because it prevents vaporization.
  • #1
terryphi
59
0
I always though water boiled faster with the heat on simply because the lid retained heat.

However, I was thinking about the enthalpy of vaporization.

Could it be that there there is some sort of limit on how much water vapor air can hold, and beyond this it takes more and more heat to put water vapor into the air. In effect moisture saturated air makes water boil faster because it prevents vaporization.

If anyone could expound on this, I would be appreciative.
 
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  • #2
terryphi said:
Could it be that there there is some sort of limit on how much water vapor air can hold, and beyond this it takes more and more heat to put water vapor into the air. In effect moisture saturated air makes water boil faster because it prevents vaporization.
Yes. It's called "vapor pressure" (google that term).
 

FAQ: Why is it faster to boil water with the lid on

Why is it faster to boil water with the lid on?

Boiling water with the lid on is a common cooking technique that is often recommended by chefs and home cooks. Here are the top 5 questions people have about this method:

Question 1: Does boiling water with the lid on really make a difference?

Yes, it does. Boiling water with the lid on traps the heat and steam inside the pot, which causes the water to reach its boiling point faster. This is because the heat is not able to escape and is instead used to increase the temperature of the water.

Question 2: How much faster does water boil with the lid on?

The exact amount of time saved varies depending on the size of the pot and the heat source, but generally, water boils about 1-2 minutes faster with the lid on. This may not seem like a significant amount of time, but it can make a difference when cooking time-sensitive dishes.

Question 3: Is there a difference in energy efficiency when boiling water with the lid on?

Yes, boiling water with the lid on is more energy-efficient. With the lid on, less heat is lost to the surrounding air, which means the stove does not have to work as hard to maintain the temperature of the water. This can save energy and reduce your electricity or gas bill.

Question 4: Can I use any type of lid to boil water?

Yes, you can use any type of lid as long as it fits tightly on the pot and covers the opening completely. However, using a clear glass lid may be more beneficial as it allows you to monitor the water without having to remove the lid.

Question 5: Are there any other benefits to boiling water with the lid on?

Aside from being faster and more energy-efficient, boiling water with the lid on also helps to keep your kitchen clean. When water boils, it can sometimes create a frothy foam that can spill over and make a mess on your stove. The lid prevents this from happening, making clean-up easier.

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