The present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems to heat a liquid and/or generate steam from a liquid. In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems to heat a liquid and/or generate steam from a liquid using molecular friction and/or nucleation. The devices and systems of the present disclosure may be used in any application where a heated liquid or steam are required and operate at reduced energy costs and carbon footprints as compared to devices of the prior art.