la batidora
la batidora is a kitchen appliance used to mix or blend ingredients. In Spain, it can refer to a handheld blender or a mixer depending on context.
Common Phrases
- poner la batidora en marcha — to start the blender/mixer
- usar la batidora a baja velocidad — to use the blender/mixer on low speed
Example
Saco la batidora para dejar la crema mas fina.
I take out the blender/mixer to make the soup smoother.
Common Mistake
Getting the gender wrong: la batidora, not el batidora.
el congelador
el congelador is the freezer (a freezer compartment or a separate freezer unit) where food is kept frozen.
Common Phrases
- cerrar bien el congelador — to close the freezer properly
- descongelar el congelador — to defrost the freezer
Example
El congelador tiene mucho hielo.
The freezer has a lot of ice.
Common Mistake
Misspelling it: congelador, not conjelador.
el mando
el mando is the remote control, especially for the TV, AC, or other devices you operate from a distance.
Common Phrases
- buscar el mando — to look for the remote
- poner pilas al mando — to put batteries in the remote
Example
No encuentro el mando y la tele no responde.
I cannot find the remote, and the TV is not responding.
Common Mistake
Overusing a longer term in Spain: el mando is more natural than el control remoto in many everyday conversations.
la caldera
la caldera is a boiler, often part of a home heating and hot-water system.
Common Phrases
- encender la caldera — to turn on the boiler
- revisar la caldera — to check/inspect the boiler
Example
La caldera hace un ruido raro.
The boiler makes a strange noise.
Common Mistake
Mixing up appliances: la caldera is not always the same as el calentador (a separate water heater) depending on the home setup.
el secador
el secador is a hair dryer used to dry hair quickly after a shower.
Common Phrases
- encender el secador — to turn on the hair dryer
- guardar el secador — to put away the hair dryer
Example
El secador hace mucho ruido hoy.
The hair dryer is very noisy today.
Common Mistake
Confusing similar words: el secador is a hair dryer, but la secadora is a clothes dryer.
el fusible
el fusible is a fuse, a safety component that breaks the circuit when there is an overload.
Common Phrases
- saltar el fusible — for the fuse to blow/trip
- cambiar el fusible — to replace the fuse
Example
Salta el fusible y se apagan las luces.
The fuse blows and the lights go out.
Common Mistake
Using a made-up spelling: fusible, not fucible.
el termostato
el termostato is a thermostat, the device that controls or sets the temperature for heating or cooling.
Common Phrases
- ajustar el termostato — to adjust the thermostat
- programar el termostato — to program the thermostat
Example
El termostato marca 21 grados.
The thermostat reads 21 degrees.
Common Mistake
Swapping letters: termostato, not termostado.
el fregadero
el fregadero is the kitchen sink, where you wash dishes or rinse food.
Common Phrases
- limpiar el fregadero — to clean the sink
- llenar el fregadero — to fill the sink
Example
El fregadero gotea, y pongo un cubo.
The sink is dripping, and I put a bucket down.
Common Mistake
Using the bathroom word in the kitchen: el fregadero (kitchen) vs el lavabo (bathroom sink).