46 Myths and Old Wives Tales People Still Believe Even Though They Have Been Debunked Long Ago

The origins of this myth remain unclear since it defies all logic. The idea that cold water will boil faster than hot water is counterintuitive, as common sense suggests that hot water should reach its boiling point more quickly than cold water. Some speculate that this myth might have arisen from misinterpretations or misunderstandings of certain scientific principles.

One possibility is that people confuse the time it takes for the water to reach boiling temperature with the time it takes to actually boil. Hot water is already closer to its boiling point, so it might seem to boil faster, but it’s not due to the initial temperature difference. In reality, both pots will eventually reach a boil, with hot water often getting there a bit sooner, as expected by the laws of physics.