When it comes to boiling water, the amount of watts you need will depend on a few different factors. For example, the wattage of your stove or hot plate will play a role in how quickly the water comes to a boil. The size and shape of your pot or kettle will also affect boiling time, as a larger surface area will allow for more heat to be transferred to the water. Generally speaking, you will need between 1,000 and 2,000 watts to boil water. If you're working with a smaller pot or kettle, you may be able to get away with using less than 1,000 watts. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use more watts than you think you need. This will help ensure that your water comes to a boil quickly and efficiently.