Based on the fractal distribution of nucleation sites present on heating surfaces, a new comprehensive model is developed for the nucleate pool boiling of pure liquid at low to high heat fluxes including the critical heat flux (CHF). The proposed model is expressed as a function of total number, minimum and maximum sizes of active nucleation sites, fractal dimension. superheat temperature, and properties of fluids. No additional empirical constant is introduced in the proposed model. This fractal model contains less empirical constants than the conventional models. The model predictions are in good agreement with the available experimental data. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.