Numerous surface modifications were proposed to enhance the critical heat flux (CHF) in a saturated pool boiling. CHF enhancement is a result of the effects of extended surface area, nucleation site density, wettability, capillary wicking, and wavelength decrease based on the modified Zuber hydrodynamic stability model. A number of combined techniques for CHF enhancement have been proposed. The objective of this paper is to review the CHF enhancement techniques by the various surface modifications and to introduce the enhancement mechanism. Moreover, recommendations are made for future studies to enhance the CHF of a saturated pool boiling. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.