There's nothing better to welcome the cold, dark nights than a piping hot bowl of soup - but what's the best way to make it? Are pots and pans too much of a faff? Is a gadget that does everything for you a must-have? Or a waste of cash?
Here's the low-down on the pros and cons of soup makers - plus the best ones to buy if you decide they're just the job.
As Leticia says..."I think it comes down to choice - some of us wouldn't want to be without it and some can't see the point - you just need to decide which side you fall."
...we've found the top five soup makers on the market, as recommended by gransnetters.
Cuisinart SSB1U Soup Maker, £139.95, John Lewis
"I have the cuisineart one. I've used it so much that I'm on my third in about 5 years. Forget the sauté bit! It doesn't work properly but otherwise it's great." Galen
Morphy Richards 48822 Soupmaker, £59.99 (£50 at the time we published), Amazon
"I have the Morphy Richards 48822 and it's one of the best things I've ever bought. It saves so much chopping and mess." Maggiemaybe
Morphy Richards 48822 Soupmaker, £79.99 (£64.39 at the time we published), Amazon
"What a wonderful gadget, so much easier than the old pan and blender method. I used the sauté function to part-cook and soften the chopped carrot and onion, then added the liquid and spices and left it to it. Twenty-one minutes later I had loads of gorgeous, thick soup." Indinana
Coopers of Stortford 1.7L Electric Soup Maker, £39.99, Amazon
"I have one from Coopers of Stortford which I use a lot. Just put all my spare veg in before it goes off, with water and some bouillon or miso and switch on; then leave it until ready." Durhamjen
Philips Viva Collection Soup Maker Soupmaker, £129.95 (£69.95 at the time we published), Amazon
"Just chuck it all in - it works very well. Ours is a Philips." Granjura
Join the discussion on this thread and share your recipes.
Other things you might like:
Autumn soup recipes | 15 kitchen gadgets to make your life easier |
Images: Shutterstock