I have a Cuisinart soup maker and while I was still working I used it all the time for lunch time soup.
Brilliant machine for a quick pot of soup, specially now that they've come down in price so much.
I made asparagus soup in mine last weekend. 
The only negative is that it makes only a small amount (I think mine says 1.5 litres)so if you want a big pot for freezing some you're better with a normal big stock-pot.
Retiring and living frugally in money from downsizing after years of stress
