Soup is a great, filling meal for winter. This month, we bet there are a bunch of vegetables that you’d promised yourself that you’d eat, and they’re going off in the fridge.
We know we’re the same. So, why not use them up in a hearty stew?
Whether veggie or meaty, chunky or creamy, the Salter Soup Maker doesn’t discriminate - nor does it disappoint. Simply, chuck in some stock, chop up your vegetables into small pieces - and let the soup maker do its magic. Then, in twenty minutes or so, voilà! Your soup has arrived - and it’s hot, hearty and homemade. Most importantly, there’s no hassle.
Related: Check out this soup maker recipe book for inspiration.
What’s the Best writer, and confessed soup-fanatic, Piper Huxley took the plunge and tried out this nifty soup maker from Salter. Here are her thoughts:
Robert Dyaswww.argos.co.uk
Build
• Sturdy stainless steel
• Handy pouring spout
• Overspill protection
The design of this Salter soup maker is pretty well-thought-out, despite being a little bulky. The stainless steel jug is sturdy, sleek and doesn't get too hot whilst cooking. The buttons and fill line are all labelled clearly, and the spout makes pouring so much easier. Though the lid is fiddly when it needs to be placed on the jug, it does eventually slot in, so don't worry.
Specifications
Capacity: 1300-1600 ml – around 4 bowls
Material: Stainless steel jug
Features: Three automatic settings
Features: Ready in just 20 minutes
Features: Detachable jug function for easy pouring
Power: 1000 watts
Size: 25.5 x 18 x 31 cm
Weight: 2.58 kg
Performance
• Fast process
• Blends well
• Switches on with one button
With just one button, the Salter soup maker switches on and starts making your soup. Within 20 minutes or so, your well-blended (or chunky) soup is ready, piping hot.
Usability
• Just three functions
• So many possibilities!
• Simple, straightforward
What I love about this product is that it's really quite simple. You choose from a smooth soup option, a chunky one, or just a blend. So, you could use it as a blender primarily if you want. There's no fiddling around, it's just a question of plugging in and pushing a button.
Easy.
What's to love?
I loved this product because it holds up to 1.6 litres, which guarantees big batches. It’s worth pouring the extra soup into Tupperware portions ready for another lunch. Typically, I serve soup with toasted granary bread. But you can do what you like. It’s your soup - after all.
You could even try something uncharted and different - like dipping a cheese toastie into your cream of tomato! Now, how does that sound? Good? I thought so.
Why use a soup maker?
I can make soup just the way I like it. Now, my lunchtimes are filled with fresh, homemade, and nutritious soup. Why buy a can from the supermarket when you can make a soup that accommodates you - and your own, personal tastes?
The Salter Soup Maker is a great way to use up all your leftover veggies - so, no waste! Not only is this soup maker easy to use, with its one-step process, but its stainless-steel design is sleek and attractive to the eye; it certainly doesn’t look out of place on my kitchen counter.
What about cleaning?
After use, there’s no fiddling about with sharp blades and components! When cleaning, the soup maker just needs a simple rinse and a wipe - which is ideal when you’re a little bit tired on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Make sure to read the instructions on what you can and can’t get wet. I was impressed by the inclusion of a cleaning brush in the box, which helped me scrub it clean. There is a helpful ‘clean’ function which does most of the work, too.
Any negatives?
This soup maker can get a little loud when it blends, but I know that’s a pretty standard downside to a blender. When your soup is finished, it does beep continuously until you switch it off – which can be considered as a useful feature, but perhaps it could be annoying for some. Like all soup makers, it’s a little bulky and requires a bit of extra storage space.
Price
You can find this Salter one for around £40-£60, which is pretty standard for a soup maker.
It's a little investment, but the soup you make will definitely make it worth the pennies.
Verdict
Score: 4.5/5
Despite being a little bulky, this soup maker is simple, the usage is straightforward, and the result is well... good soup. Why not try my soup maker recipe for tomato soup? It's below.
Piper's "Good Soup": Tomato Edition
Serves 4
Ingredients:
650g of Baby Plum Tomatoes
One Can of Chopped Tomatoes, Drained
One Can of Light Coconut Milk (Or 300ml of Single Cream)
Tsp of Minced Garlic
One Onion, Chopped Roughly
300ml of Vegetable Stock
Tsp Basil (Dried or Fresh)
Tsp of Paprika
Salt and Pepper to taste
Tbsp of Soy Sauce (Or Worcestershire Sauce - if you prefer)
Optional Bits
Nutritional Yeast
Method:
- Put all the ingredients into the soup maker. Make sure not to overfill.
- 20 minutes later, serve with bread, toast or a grilled cheese. Enjoy!
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