Best soup makers for winter warming soups
Thinking of investing in a soup maker? We’ve got you covered.
Thinking of investing in a soup maker? We’ve got you covered.
As the weather gets a little bit dreary and cold, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty soup to chase away the chill. But if the thought of standing over a simmering pan or digging out your blender fills you with dread, a soup maker may be the gadget for you. And with so many different types on the market, it’s easier than ever to enjoy your favourite soups at home.
What are soup makers?
Designed to be quick, easy and convenient, soup makers typically have a built-in heater and blender. Some models even have a sauté function, meaning soup is made in one pot from beginning to end, leaving even less washing up for you to do.
How do soup makers work?
Soup makers really are as easy as adding your ingredients, choosing a soup setting, and letting the machine do the hard work. It will then heat and blend the ingredients until cooked, smooth and ready to pair with a chunk of bread or toasted sandwich.
How to use a soup maker
Using a soup maker is simple and makes preparing fresh soups quick and convenient. Here’s a basic guide:
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop your chosen ingredients, like vegetables, herbs and any meat or beans. Check the soup maker’s fill line, as overfilling can affect cooking and blending.
- Add Ingredients and Liquid: Place the ingredients in the soup maker and add stock or water according to the recipe and the soup maker’s guidelines. Add seasoning as you like, then close the lid securely.
- Choose Your Setting: Most soup makers have options like “smooth” for a creamy texture or “chunky” for a more textured soup. Some models also offer blending and reheating options.
- Start the Soup Maker: Select your chosen programme, then the soup maker will automatically blend and cook the ingredients, usually in about 20-30 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once complete, carefully open the soup maker, pour your soup into bowls, add an optional garnish and enjoy it fresh.
Tips for making the most of your soup maker
- Chop your vegetables small to help them cook more evenly.
- Don’t overload the jug, leaving enough space for the soup to circulate.
- Using fresh ingredients is best for flavour, but soups are a great way to use up older food too.
- Clean the jug as soon as possible to prevent staining using warm, soapy water.
- For more stubborn messes, use your soup maker’s cleaning function (if available) or run the soup cycle with warm water.
Top 5 Best Soup Makers UK
Daewoo 1.6L 1000W Soup Maker
Perfect for those who want to try a soup maker without breaking the bank.
—–
Morphy Richards Soup Maker
Versatile, stylish and easy to use, this soup maker is another excellent option for soup-lovers.
—–
Ninja HB150UK Soup Maker
More than a soup maker, easily blend cold ingredients to enjoy ice-cool smoothies, frozen drinks, milkshakes and desserts.
—–
Morphy Richards Total Control Soup Maker
If texture is a deal-breaker for you, this soup maker’s powerful blending capabilities makes short work of even the toughest ingredients, leaving you with perfectly smooth, creamy soup.
—–
Lakeland Touchscreen Soup Maker
On the other hand, if you love your soup with a bit of texture, this soup maker is ideal. With a slower blending speed, you have more control over the final product.
Soup Makers FAQ’s
All you need to know about soup makers!
Are soup makers worth it?
Soup makers are definitely worth it, especially if you enjoy homemade soups regularly but want a quicker, more convenient way to prepare them. They simplify the process by combining cooking and blending, which means less washing up as there’s no need for additional pots or blenders.
Are soup makers energy efficient?
Generally using around 800 watts of power, less than a standard stovetop, plenty of soup makers on the market are energy efficient.
What grains work the best for soups?
Just like stews, grains are an excellent addition to soups of all varieties. Not only do they soak up flavours, they also act as a natural thickener, and there’s no limit on the combinations you can try. While barley, bulgar wheat and rice are most common, there are no rules saying you can’t play around with quinoa, wild rice, farro and much more.
Can you use frozen vegetables in a soup maker?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a busy cook’s saviour when it comes to meal-time prep. The great news is you can add your favourites to a soup maker straight from the packet – no need to thaw.
What else can you make in a soup maker?
Soup makers aren’t just a one-trick pony. Depending on the model you get, you can also whip up any number of sweet and savoury options, as well as smoothies, cocktails, and even baby food. Half the fun with your new appliance is trying different recipes and experimenting with your flavours, so don’t be shy – give it a go!
Do soup makers cook the soup?
Yes, soup makers do cook the soup! They have built-in heating elements that cook your ingredients directly within the machine, making the process seamless.
Soup Recipes
