If homemade soup is a regular lunch in your home, a soup maker can simplify the process. Many models heat and blend ingredients in one jug, reducing the number of pans and utensils involved.
How a soup maker works
A typical heated soup maker combines cooking with blending programmes. Depending on the model, you may be able to choose smooth soup, chunky soup or a separate blending function. Some also offer drinks programmes.
Functions vary, so check that the model heats as well as blends if that is what you need. A conventional blender is a different appliance and may not be suitable for hot ingredients.
Choose a useful batch size
Look at both the minimum and maximum fill levels. A larger jug may be convenient for family lunches, but it may not suit a single small portion. Think about how much you normally eat and whether you want to refrigerate or freeze extra portions safely.
Capacity in litres is more useful than a headline serving count, because bowl sizes and appetites differ.
Match the programmes to your food
If you prefer textured soup, check how the chunky programme operates. If you enjoy a completely smooth finish, look for blending options that suit that result. A separate blend function can be useful for adjusting consistency where the instructions permit.
Do not assume a soup maker cooks every ingredient from raw. Follow the model’s guidance for meat, pulses, dairy and other ingredients, and use recipes designed for the appliance.
Consider cleaning before buying
Check how the jug, lid and blades are cleaned. Some parts contain electrical components and cannot be immersed. A cleaning programme can be helpful, but it does not remove the need to follow the care instructions.
The jug’s weight, handle and pouring design matter too, particularly when it is full of hot soup.
Who will get the most from one?
A soup maker can suit someone who wants a repeatable lunch routine and makes soup frequently. If you prefer to cook very large batches or adjust ingredients throughout cooking, a saucepan and a suitable blender may offer more flexibility.
Explore our cooking appliances to compare soup makers and other useful kitchen equipment.