In this review, we focus on the key features and functions of Cuisinart’s SSB1U Soup Maker (available in the UK) and their SBC-1000 model (available in the US and in Canada). Meanwhile, in a Cuisinart soup maker and blender over low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook, using the stir function occasionally, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the carrots and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the curry powder, salt and pepper and cook, using the stir function occasionally, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
The first thing you must ask yourself is whether or not you should get a soup maker, before you even start to consider which soup maker brand/product would suit you. The Soup Maker and Blender is as sleek an appliance as I’ve seen. With its glistening charcoal finish and easy-to-read bright red LED displays, it’s like something out of the dashboard cuisinart soup maker of a Bentley. Bring a state-of-the-art soup maker into the equation, and that changes everything. Cleaning is easy, requiring a drop of detergent and warm water, then running through a two-minute simmer followed by a one-minute blend. Overall, it’s a premium device with some useful functions, though admittedly comes at a greater cost.
The keep warm setting lasts 40 minutes, so you can cook well ahead of your actual eating time. And there’s an easy cleaning function, though I found it straightforward enough to clean in the sink. The “stir” function will work cuisinart pots and pans set better if your vegetable pieces are smaller. It is a bit difficult to “stir” one pound of uncooked, dry carrots with one blade. You might even need to use a silicone spatula a time or two before your liquids are added.
An added benefit is the ice crushing setting, meaning the machine isn’t obsolete in the summer. If you’re into cocktails, this’ll be a great addition to your kitchen. You can also blend on three speed settings, and blend without heat, for smoothies, purees, baby food, etc. The instructions state that veg should be chopped into small centimetre cubes, before adding to the blender. Then you press one of two settings (chunky or smooth), and you’re good to go. Additionally, there are compote and smoothie functions for desserts and breakfasts.
Whoever came up with the advertising slogan, “Soup is good food” was spot on. And good for you, too, especially when you make it yourself. Cuisinart is set to introduce (sorry U.S., looks like just U.K. for now) the Cuisinart Soup Maker in September 2009. The name may be uncomplicated and accurately reflect the simple nature of soup, but this blender-meets-heater is all business.
Silicone bowls in which you can prepare food and then throw it in the oven to roast said food? But the Soup Maker is a shining example of a smart combination appliance. It’s easy to use and exceptionally versatile, too.
Rather, it was the most versatile device, with some extra functions that pushed it ahead of others, even if they add to the cost. Firstly, I found it to be the most similar to using an actual pan. This is because it came with a sauté function – everyone knows browning of onions, which caramelises them, adds a wonderful depth of flavour. Of course, with other devices, you could do this in a pan beforehand, but this saves time. There’s even a stir button which ensures the onions (or whatever you’re frying off) don’t burn.
Increase the heat to high, add the stock and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, using the stir function occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Using a towel, hold the lid down and blend on the highest setting until the soup is silky in texture, 1 to 2 minutes. The RRP is £139 but you should be able to find it for under £100 if you shop around. The Cusinart Soup Maker and Blender looks to streamline the entire soup process. In addition to its stainless steel blades and four speeds, the 900-watt appliance features an embedded three-setting hot plate that lets you cook ingredients.
The lid comes with a hole, filled by a measuring cup, which allows you to add ingredients during cooking; ideal if you’ve got ingredients that cook at different speeds. The stir function ensures everything mixes together perfectly – a squash and red pepper soup I tried was superb. The great thing about Cuisinart’s electric soup makers is that they also double as regular blenders, allowing you to create cold smoothies, shakes, baby food, salad dressings, and more. Thanks to their razor-sharp blades, they can even crush ice cubes, which is not something every regular blender is capable of!