As the days get shorter and the evenings colder, there’s nothing quite like a warming bowl of homemade soup. But who has the time for endless stirring and blending? Enter the soup maker – a kitchen appliance designed to simplify the soup-making process from start to finish. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best soup maker for your needs in 2026, covering features, models, and maintenance.
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What is a Soup Maker and Why Do You Need One?
A soup maker is an all-in-one appliance that cooks and blends soup directly in the same jug. Unlike traditional methods, you typically simply add your ingredients, select a program, and let the machine do the work. The benefits are numerous: convenience, speed (many can produce a soup in under 30 minutes), ease of cleaning, and the ability to create healthy, homemade soups without the hassle. With increasing awareness of healthy eating and a desire for comforting, home-cooked meals, soup makers have become increasingly popular in UK kitchens.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Soup Maker
Choosing the right soup maker isn’t just about price. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider:
- Capacity: Think about how many people you typically cook for. 1.2L – 1.6L is good for singles or couples. 1.8L – 2L is suitable for families.
- Power: Generally, higher wattage (800W – 1200W) means faster cooking, but also higher energy consumption.
- Pre-set Programs: Most soup makers offer programs for smooth soups, chunky soups, and often a ‘blend only’ function for smoothies or sauces.
- Keep-Warm Function: Incredibly useful for keeping soup at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to eat. Look for durations of at least 30 minutes.
- Self-Cleaning Function: A game-changer! This feature simplifies cleaning significantly.
- Safety Features: Look for features like automatic shut-off and secure lids to prevent accidents.
- Build Quality: A robust design will ensure longevity.
- Jug Material: Glass jugs are easier to clean and don’t absorb odours, but are more fragile. Stainless steel is more durable but can sometimes retain flavours.
Top 5 Soup Makers UK – 2026 Reviews
Here’s a look at five of the best soup makers currently available in the UK:
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Morphy Richards Soup Maker – £69.99
A solid entry-level option offering great value for money. Features include pre-set functions for smooth and chunky soups, and a keep-warm function. It’s easy to use and clean.
- Pros: Affordable, simple to use, compact design.
- Cons: Limited features, jug can be a bit small for families.
- Suitability: Singles, couples, beginners.
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Salter Electric Soup Maker – £54.99
Another budget-friendly option, the Salter Soup Maker boasts a 1.6L capacity and features smooth and chunky settings. It’s simple and effective for basic soup making.
- Pros: Very affordable, easy operation, decent capacity.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features, build quality feels less premium.
- Suitability: Budget-conscious buyers, small households.
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Russell Hobbs 25230 Soup Maker – £79.99
Offering a step up in features from the Morphy Richards, the Russell Hobbs model includes a blend-only function, making it versatile for smoothies and sauces. It also has a larger 1.75L capacity.
- Pros: Larger capacity, blend-only function, reliable brand.
- Cons: Still lacks a self-cleaning function.
- Suitability: Small families, those who want versatility.
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Cuisinart Soup Maker – £149.99
The Cuisinart offers a premium experience with a robust build, stainless steel jug, and a powerful motor. It includes multiple pre-set programs, a keep-warm function, and a self-cleaning cycle.
- Pros: High-quality build, self-cleaning function, stainless steel jug, versatile programs.
- Cons: More expensive than other models.
- Suitability: Serious soup lovers, those who value quality and convenience.
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Ninja Foodi Soup Maker – £199.99
The Ninja Foodi is at the higher end of the price spectrum, but it’s packed with features. It can not only make soup but also blend, sauté, and even has a ‘boost’ function for extra smooth results. App connectivity allows for recipe downloads and control.
- Pros: Multi-functional, app connectivity, powerful motor, large capacity.
- Cons: Most expensive option, can be complex to use.
- Suitability: Tech-savvy cooks, those who want a multi-purpose appliance.
Budget Soup Makers – Best Value for Money
If you’re looking for a soup maker that won’t break the bank, the Morphy Richards Soup Maker (£69.99) and Salter Electric Soup Maker (£54.99) are excellent choices. They provide the core functionality – cooking and blending – without the bells and whistles. The trade-off is a smaller capacity and potentially less durable build quality, but for occasional soup makers, they offer fantastic value.
Premium Soup Makers – High-End Features & Performance
For those willing to invest in a top-of-the-line model, the Cuisinart Soup Maker (£149.99) and Ninja Foodi Soup Maker (£199.99) deliver superior performance and convenience. The Cuisinart’s self-cleaning function is a huge time-saver, while the Ninja Foodi’s multi-functionality and app connectivity offer a truly modern cooking experience.
Soup Maker vs. Blender/Food Processor: Which is Better?
While you *can* make soup with a blender or food processor, a dedicated soup maker offers significant advantages. Firstly, soup makers cook the ingredients *before* blending, eliminating the need to pre-cook. Secondly, the design is inherently safer – hot liquids are contained within the jug, reducing the risk of splashing. Finally, soup makers often have pre-set programs optimised for soup making, resulting in better texture and flavour.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Soup Maker
Cleaning is crucial for maintaining your soup maker’s performance and longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely.
- If your soup maker has a self-cleaning function, use it! Simply add water and detergent, and let the machine do the work.
- If cleaning manually, remove the lid and wash it with warm soapy water.
- Empty the jug and rinse it thoroughly. For stubborn residue, soak it in warm soapy water for a few hours.
- Wipe down the exterior of the soup maker with a damp cloth.
- Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
Delicious Soup Recipes to Get You Started
- Tomato Soup: 1kg ripe tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 500ml vegetable stock, herbs to taste.
- Carrot & Ginger Soup: 1kg carrots, 1 onion, 2cm ginger, 750ml vegetable stock.
- Butternut Squash Soup: 1 butternut squash, 1 onion, 500ml vegetable stock, a dash of nutmeg.
- Leek & Potato Soup: 2 leeks, 3 potatoes, 1 litre vegetable stock.
Where to Buy Soup Makers in the UK
You can find soup makers at the following retailers:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can you make cold soups with a soup maker? Yes, many soup makers can blend ingredients without heating, making them suitable for gazpacho or chilled fruit soups.
- Can you use a soup maker to make smoothies? Some models have a ‘blend only’ function specifically for this purpose.
- Can you add milk to a soup maker? It’s generally not recommended to add milk directly during the cooking process, as it can scald and affect the texture. Add it after cooking and blend.
- What if my soup boils over? Avoid overfilling the jug and ensure the lid is securely fastened. Some models have sensors to prevent overheating.
- How often should I descale my soup maker? If you live in a hard water area, descale your soup maker every 3-6 months using a descaling solution.