The pool boiling characteristics of dilute dispersions of CuO nanoparticles in water were studied at atmospheric pressure on a vertical heating surface. Experimental investigation of different weight concentrations of nanoparticles revealed significant enhancement in heat flux and deterioration in pool boiling. Out of many reasons, nanoparticles coating the heater surface was believed to be the reason behind this. Subsequent inspection of the heater surface showed nanoparticles coating the surface, forming a porous layer. To substantiate the nanoparticle deposition and its effect on heat flux, an investigation was performed by measuring the surface roughness of the heater surface before and after the experiment. While SEM images of the heater surface revealed nanoparticle deposition, measurement of surface roughness of the heater surface confirmed it. Formation of the porous layer on the heater surface as revealed by SEM images provided an excellent location for nucleation sites enhancing heat transfer. However, deterioration in nucleate boiling at different weight concentrations indicated some phenomenon is working behind this.