vaporera
/bapoˈɾeɾa/
The English phrase 'steamer basket' is translated into Spanish as vaporera.
A vaporera refers to a kitchen tool used to cook food using steam.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word vaporera is used to refer to a steamer basket. In certain Latin American countries, the term Olla Vaporera can refer to a steamer basket.
How do you pronounce it?
/bapoˈɾeɾa/
Did you know?
- The phrase baño María is often used interchangeably with using a vaporera for melting chocolate, even though it refers to a specific double-boiler technique named after Mary the Jewess.
- Because vaporera ends in -era, it follows a Spanish pattern where tools are named after the substance they handle, similar to how a salera is a salt shaker.
- In Mexico, a vaporera is not just a tool but often a large, specialized pot designed specifically to stack dozens of tamales at once for festive gatherings.
Examples in context
- Necesito una vaporera para las verduras.I need a steamer basket for the vegetables.
- La vaporera es de acero inoxidable.The steamer basket is made of stainless steel.
- ¿Dónde guardamos la vaporera de bambú?Where do we store the bamboo steamer basket?
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are in the kitchen preparing dinner.
- Mateo¿Tienes la vaporera para el pescado?Do you have the steamer basket for the fish?
- SofíaSí, está en el segundo cajón.Yes, it is in the second drawer.
- MateoGracias, Sofía, me vas a salvar.Thanks, Sofía, you are going to save me.
- SofíaNo hay de qué, Mateo.You're welcome, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vaporera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
