Question: how many btus does it take to boil 1 pound of water?
Answer: You have all heard of the BTU of heat energy (British Thermal Unit), it takes one BTU to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. So if the water in the pan on the stove is put in at 32°F, it will then require 180 BTU's to bring the water to boiling temperature, or 212°F.