Choosing a mate gourd is not always easy. Natural gourd, stainless steel or wood, torpedo, camionero or imperial… There are many different types of mate, each with its own characteristics, as well as different materials and methods of production. Mate culture is constantly evolving, along with the vessels used to drink it. Many traditional models have one thing in common: the natural gourd. Once harvested and dried, it is selected, cut and crafted in different ways. Its natural shape, combined with the skill of the artisan, results in mate gourds with a wide variety of shapes, sizes and finishes. So, which mate gourd should you choose? In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of mate to help you find the one that best suits your tastes and the way you enjoy mate.
The camionero mate is one of the most popular traditional styles in Argentina and Uruguay. It is made from a natural gourd, with the top cut to create a wide opening that is usually reinforced with a metal virola.
Its base is relatively narrow and gradually widens towards the top. The camionero mate can be left natural or covered in leather, depending on the artisan’s work.
As it is made from a natural fruit, its size, shape and capacity can vary slightly from one model to another. It generally has a simple, traditional style without unnecessary decoration.
Its wide opening provides plenty of space to arrange the yerba and form the montañita. It also makes it easier to pour the water close to the bombilla and keep part of the yerba dry throughout the different cebadas.
The camionero mate is therefore a particularly versatile choice for enjoying mate every day. Its traditional shape and wide opening make it suitable for both those who are new to mate and more experienced mate drinkers.
The torpedo mate is easily recognisable by its distinctive rounded shape. Like the camionero, it is made from a natural gourd, usually covered in leather and finished with a metal virola that follows the shape of the gourd.
It is made by selecting and cutting the roundest part of the gourd to preserve much of its natural shape. Its opening sits relatively high, creating a rounded silhouette that gives it its distinctive appearance and makes it comfortable to hold.
The torpedo mate is particularly appreciated for its shape. It is especially popular among footballers, and it is not unusual to see players such as Lionel Messi or Antoine Griezmann with this type of mate.
It is a good option for those looking for a traditional mate with a more distinctive shape than the camionero. However, it is slightly more difficult to prepare: its narrower upper section requires better control of the montañita to arrange the yerba properly. The torpedo mate is therefore particularly well suited to intermediate or experienced mate drinkers.
The imperial mate is one of the most elaborate and popular traditional mate styles. It is made from a natural gourd, usually covered in leather, and is particularly distinguished by its metal rim topped with a wide virola, which plays an important role in its overall appearance.
Its shape is generally wide and relatively open at the top. It is cut lower than the torpedo and is usually made from slightly larger gourds, giving it a more imposing silhouette.
Its craftsmanship makes it a particularly elegant piece. Each imperial mate can vary considerably depending on the shape of the gourd, the leather used and, above all, the artisan’s work.
Its wide opening makes it easier to arrange the yerba and form the montañita. The imperial mate offers a comfortable drinking experience while also highlighting the craftsmanship behind it.
It is particularly well suited to those looking for a traditional mate with more elaborate finishes, or simply a beautiful handcrafted piece for everyday use.
The criollo mate is one of the most traditional types of mate. Unlike the camionero, torpedo or imperial, it is generally used without a leather covering, leaving the natural gourd exposed.
There are actually several styles of criollo mate, and the term can refer to quite different models. Some are reinforced with metal bands around the gourd, while others simply have a metal ring at the base to support them. Today, the term criollo is also very commonly used for a polished natural gourd accompanied simply by a circular leather base.
Depending on the fruit used and how it is cut, the shape and size of the gourd can vary. On models with a leather base, this provides excellent stability and makes it easy to keep the mate tilted when preparing the montañita.
The criollo stands out for its authentic, rustic appearance. Its outer surface reveals the natural shades and markings of the gourd, while the craftsmanship is particularly focused on the base, which can feature different types of decoration.
The criollo mate is ideal for mate drinkers looking for a simple, traditional experience that truly puts the natural gourd at the heart of the ritual. However, its two-part design, with the gourd simply resting on its base, makes it particularly well suited to use at home.
The size of a mate can vary considerably, even between two models of the same shape. This affects both the amount of yerba used and how comfortable it is to hold.
If you are unsure between several models or sizes, we can help you better understand their differences and guide you in your choice.
While natural gourd remains the traditional material par excellence, there are now many other types of vessels for drinking mate. Wood, ceramic, glass and stainless steel each offer a different experience.
Wooden mates retain a natural, traditional appearance. Depending on the type of wood used, they can also change over time and gradually develop a patina with use.
Ceramic or glass mates are particularly easy to maintain. Unlike natural gourds, they do not need to be cured before their first use and are easy to clean. These materials do not absorb the flavours of the yerba, which can also be useful for those who like to switch between different varieties regularly.
Stainless steel mates are particularly durable and practical. They do not need to be cured, are easy to clean and are well suited to travelling. Some models also feature a double wall that provides better heat insulation.
These different materials are good alternatives to natural gourd, particularly for those looking for easy maintenance or a mate that is easy to carry. However, natural gourd remains essential for those seeking the most traditional mate experience.
Beyond the shape, material or characteristics of each model, the most important thing is to choose a mate that you like. Trust your instincts and personal taste: your mate will be part of your daily routine and, above all, should reflect your own aesthetic preferences.
Camionero, torpedo, imperial, criollo… The models featured in this guide represent some of the main types of mate, but this classification is far from exhaustive.
Mate culture is not static. Shapes, finishes and production methods evolve alongside the work of artisans and the habits of mate drinkers. New models regularly appear, and this constant evolution is part of what makes mate culture so rich.
If you choose a natural gourd, there is one final step before preparing your first mate: curing it. Discover our guide to learn how to cure a mate gourd, followed by our tips for taking proper care of it every day and keeping it in good condition for as long as possible.
Enjoy your mate! 🧉
