Best Soup Makers 2026: Heated Blenders vs Immersion Blenders

The best soup maker for most home cooks is a high-powered blender that can heat soup, such as the Vitamix 5200 series, or a cooking blender with a built-in heating element, such as the Instant Pot Ace Plus or a Ninja Foodi heated blender. If you already own a pot, the cheapest and most flexible option is an immersion blender like the Breville Control Grip or the Braun MultiQuick 7. Dedicated electric soup makers sold in the UK are rare in US stores, so US shoppers usually choose among three types: heated blenders, friction-heating blenders, and immersion blenders.

Quick comparison of soup maker types and models

Specifications come from manufacturer pages and published reviews and may differ between model years.

Potlimepan Soup Maker 2 L with 6 Preset Programs, Makes 4-6 Servings, 900W | Electric Soup Maker Machine Automatic Heating and Blending for Purées, Baby Foods, Smoothies, Easy Clean, Stainless Steel

Chosen because it specifies Makes 4-6 Servings and 900W.

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Homtone 1.6L Soup Maker Machine, Soup Maker with Smooth & Chunky Settings | 900W, 3-5 Portions of Soup Maker & Smoothie Blender, Overfill Sensors, Self-Cleaning Mode for Easy Clean, Stainless Steel

Chosen because it specifies Soup Maker with Smooth & Chunky Settings and 900W.

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KIDISLE 10-in-1 Nut Milk Maker Machine & Soup Maker, Self-Clean, 51oz | Also almond, coconut & smoothies/Self-clean saves cleanup/70dB quiet/8H keep warm, 12H delay start/Morning Prep, 4-6 servings

Chosen because it specifies Self-Clean and 51oz.

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Potlimepan Soup Maker 1.6 L, 4 in 1 Multi-Function Soup and Smoothie Maker | Electric Hot Soup Maker, Makes 2-5 Servings for Smooth Chunky Soup, Smart Control Panel, Overspill Sensor, Stainless Steel

Chosen because it specifies 4 in 1 Multi-Function Soup and Smoothie Maker and Electric Hot Soup Maker.

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Best heated blender for hands-off soup: Instant Pot Ace Plus

A cooking blender chops, heats, and purees in one container, so you can load vegetables, stock, and seasoning, pick a soup program, and walk away. The Instant Pot Ace line includes soup presets and a heating element, and it cleans up with a self-clean setting. The trade-offs are capacity, which is smaller than a stockpot, and the fact that thick, chunky soups work better when you sauté ingredients first in a separate pan.

Best for smooth soups: Vitamix 5200 series

A Vitamix does not have a heating element, but its 2 horsepower motor spins fast enough that friction heats the soup in about 6 to 7 minutes, according to published reviews. The 64 ounce container makes enough soup for a family or a week of lunches. The big downsides are cost and noise. Because the soup is not simmered, flavors are less developed, so many cooks sauté onions and garlic first or use cooked ingredients.

Best for variety: Ninja Foodi heated blender

Ninja’s heated blenders pair a blending motor with preset heating programs for soups, sauces, and smoothies. They often cost less than a Vitamix and include a large pitcher. Texture can be less silky than with a premium blender, but they are a practical choice for weeknight soups.

Best budget approach: Breville Control Grip immersion blender

An immersion blender purees soup in the pot and avoids the mess of transferring hot liquid to a countertop blender. The Breville Control Grip has variable speed and an anti-suction bell that reduces splatter. You still need a pot and stove, but this is the simplest and cheapest way to get velvety soup.

Best everyday immersion blender: Braun MultiQuick 7

The Braun MultiQuick 7 is a long-time favorite with a strong motor and a bell guard that resists scratching your pot. It comes with attachments for chopping and whisking. It lacks a built-in heating element, but it is excellent for cooks who make soup weekly.

Best power immersion option: Vitamix 5-speed immersion blender

The Vitamix immersion blender runs a roughly 625 watt motor with five speeds, which is enough for thick bean and root vegetable soups. It is pricier than other immersion blenders, but it handles large batches without bogging down.

How to choose a soup maker

Decide whether you need heat built in

If you simmer soup on the stove anyway, an immersion blender is enough. If you want hands-off cooking, choose a heated blender. If you want smooth, hot soup in minutes from raw vegetables, a friction-heating blender does the job.

Check capacity

For two people, 1.2 to 1.6 liters is plenty. For batches that feed a family or fill meal prep containers, aim for 1.8 to 2.0 liters (about 64 oz). Never fill beyond the hot-liquid fill line, since steam pressure can force the lid off.

Look at power and texture

Motors of at least 1,000 watts for blenders and 500 watts for immersion blenders handle fibrous vegetables. Lower power leaves bits of celery or kale.

Consider cleanup

Self-cleaning programs, dishwasher-safe jars, and removable blades make daily use far easier. Immersion blender shafts rinse quickly but should not be submerged past the motor housing.

A worked example: batch soup for the week

Say you want 8 servings of 1.5 cups (360 ml), or about 2.9 liters of soup. A 64 oz (1.9 L) blender can make it in two batches. With a heated blender, each batch takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes on a soup program. With an immersion blender and an 8 quart (7.6 L) pot, you can make the whole recipe at once. The pot method takes about 40 minutes of simmering plus a minute to blend. Portion into 12 oz or 16 oz containers, leaving 1 inch of headspace for freezing.

Safe handling tips

Hot liquids expand in sealed blenders. Fill to the manufacturer’s line, vent the lid, and start at a low speed. For immersion blenders, keep the bell submerged before turning on, and tilt the pot slightly to prevent splatter. Cool soup within two hours and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months, per general food safety guidance.

Which soup maker fits your kitchen

Durability and ownership realities

Blades and gaskets are the parts that wear first. A rubber lid gasket stains from tomato and turmeric and may need replacement every year or two with frequent use. Immersion blender bells made of plastic scratch pots, so use a stainless bell guard on nonstick cookware. Heated blenders have a base with electronics that must stay dry, so never submerge the base, and wash the jar by hand or with the self-clean setting. Descale heating elements if you use hard water.

Texture mistakes are common. Fibrous vegetables such as celery and leeks need longer blending or a fine strainer. Starchy ingredients such as potatoes turn gluey if over-blended, so pulse briefly. Add cream, yogurt, or coconut milk after blending to keep the flavor bright. Season at the end, because the soup reduces and the salt concentrates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a regular blender make hot soup?

Only models designed for hot liquids. A high-powered blender can heat by friction, but standard blenders can crack or push the lid off, so check the manual.

Is an immersion blender better than a countertop blender for soup?

For convenience and safety, yes. You blend in the pot, avoid moving hot liquid, and clean less. A countertop blender gives smoother results for silky soups.

Are electric soup makers worth it?

If you make soup weekly and want an automated process, yes. If you cook soup occasionally, a stovetop pot and an immersion blender are cheaper and more versatile.

How much soup does a soup maker make?

Most heated blenders produce 1.2 to 1.9 liters per batch, enough for 3 to 5 servings.

Can I freeze soup made in a soup maker?

Yes. Cool it quickly, portion into freezer-safe containers with headspace, and freeze for up to three months for the best quality.