When I received this Philips – Viva Collection 1.3 Quart Soupmaker in exchange for a fair and comprehensive review, I wasn't too sure of what to expect. However, after three weeks of using this appliance I am never going back to my old-fashioned, time-consuming, scratch-soup recipes again. Philips has re-invented soup making by simplifying the whole process from preparation, adding ingredients / liquids, and using a pre-set program to create a scrumptious soup, blended and cooked to perfection. Philips calls it their SoupPro technology. Using my old soup recipes used to take hours. Now, I can have delicious steaming, soups made with fresh ingredients in under thirty minutes or less letting the Philips Soupmaker do all the work. WooHoo!
One of the most unique features is the size of this unit. At first I thought, it only makes approximately 42 ounces of soup. But, that is enough to feed my four Grand Kids each a hot, tummy-filling cup of a soup with some left over for seconds. Or, depending on our appetites, two generous servings of soup for Grandma and me in either 12 or 16 ounce, sized bowls with also some left over for seconds. And, that is the real beauty of this soup maker – it doesn't make large batches. So, we don't have to deal with the same left-over soup the next or following day. We can make a totally different variety of soup every time we use this baby. I simply look at the recipe book included with this soup maker and buy a selection of veggies, required by that recipe. I buy them hand-picked and fresh on each of my shopping trips. Then, I have them on-hand when I am ready to make a variety of soups using my own, fresh-cut ingredients. How handy-dandy and healthy is that?
Here is what I really appreciate about this Philips Soupmaker:
** Yummy Soups – For me this is the most significant feature of this Philips Soupmaker. It's why I love it. It was hard to believe this little guy could make such delectable soups in so little time with so little prep. I was totally surprised and impressed. Grandma thought I finally found my niche in life, as a soup-chef. At least the first two soup recipes, cream of broccoli and cream of cauliflower, made Grandma's palette take notice. So much so, she took over the soup making process (no arguments from me). As an experienced home-cook for over 50 years she adds these little touches, like a pinch of this and a sprig of that and makes the recipes spring to life. But, in the end, the Philips Soupmaker does most of the work.
** Saves Precious Time – We can start a soup recipe at 11:30 AM and sit down to enjoy a bowl of that creation by 12 Noon. It is absolutely amazing the number of hours and preparation time this unit saves over conventional soup making all the while delivering an outstanding, luscious soup. When we have folks over, we can serve them a soup-starter along with the fabulous feast of a dinner Grandma has prepared for them. If our prep is done ahead of time we can have the soup fresh and ready to serve in less then 20 minutes. Our Grand Kids love the broccoli soup, which Grandma can easily make in 25 minutes. How cool is that?
** Simple Preparation – The average prep time is usually 15 minutes or less depending on my ingredients. For best results I follow the Instructions and cut the vegetables or solid ingredients into ¾ inch sized cubes. Since most recipes average about 3 to 4 cups of any solid ingredients I can do this pretty quickly, or ahead of time. I cut up uncooked meat, chicken, or fish in ½ inch sized or smaller pieces (they will cook faster). I thaw out my frozen veggies first before I use them in my soup recipes. Instructions call for vegetables to be added first in the jug followed by meat, chicken, or fish, then the liquids. I always stir the ingredients in the jug and make sure the volume is between the MIN / Max line marked inside the jug. Then I am ready for the Philips Soupmaker to do the rest of the work.
** Simple Operation – When I select one of the 38 recipes out of the included Recipe Book, it outlines the prep, ingredients, spices, and cooking instructions for me. It also specifies one of the pre-set cooking icons; Puree Soup, Chunky Soup, Milk-Based Soup, Compote, and Cold Soup / Smoothie. There is also a manual blending button, which allows me to use in conjunction with any of my recipes to change the consistency of my soups, or as an independent blending function. Once I select the cooking icon the Philips does the rest. It blends and cooks according to that particular selected program. You can hear the blender function come on and hear the cooking taking place. It sounds odd at first, but overall it is fairly quiet while operating. When the Philips Soupmaker is finished, it will beep and the program lights will blink. The finished soup will stay warm for up to 40 minutes in the stainless steel jug.
** Well-Designed Unit – The Philips Soupmaker is well-built. Although it looks heavier, it weighs only 5 pounds. The Jug is made of Stainless Steel. It has a satin finish on the outside and polished finish on the inside for easy cleaning. It has two handles, one at the top and side of the jug. They appear to be made of a composite plastic with a finish made for gripping. The top of the jug houses the pre-set controls and icons. On the inside of the top housing is the blender motor, and blender unit with blades, and an overflow sensor. The bottom of the jug unit contains the 1,000 watt heating element housed in composite plastic. What I like is that there are three, non-slip grips on the very bottom of the jug unit to keep it steady and from moving while it operates in the blending function.
** Cleaning – This unit is not designed to go into the dishwasher. I have no problem hand-washing either the jug unit, and, or, the top motor unit. But, I do have to exercise care so water does not get into the motor unit, power connector or the jug power connector. After three weeks of cleaning I found that I can add hot water into the jug up to the MAX fill line. I then add a couple of drops of grease-dissolving dish soap and connect the power back to the unit. I place the blender in manual and let it clean itself for two or more minutes. Easy clean up for the jug and motor housing too.
** Creative Soups – After trying 14 of the 38 recipes Grandma has found her own way to make gastronomical soup creations. Grandma says as long as she stays between the MIN / MAX line inside the jug she can add her own ingredients and spices. She has made outstanding taste sensations like asparagus soup, cream of celery, french onion soup, and lentil soup, which are not found in the included Recipe Book. She also likes to tinker with the existing recipes by adding different combinations of fresh herbs and spices. She often substitutes heavy cream when it calls for a cup of milk, or adds a combination of half and half with milk or cream. Grandma says if the soup is going to be our main meal, the few extra calories in the soup by using cream or half and half is not a diet breaker for us, anyway. I am not going to argue with Grandma. The point is that you can be original with this Philips Soupmaker, and may just be amazed at how tasty your own imaginative cuisine can be. The more we use this appliance and are comfortable with its operation the more we are impressed with its versatility for making, soups, chowders, and desserts too.
Wish It Had:
** Separate Lid – For the top of the unit to keep the soup warm when it is finished. It is very clumsy to pour the soup into a bowl with the motor unit and attached blender and blades in the way.
** Longer Cord – The included electrical cord is only 28 inches long. Even a 36 inch cord would be better for most appliance locations, especially since most kitchen counters are 24 inches deep from the back splash where the electrical outlets are.
None of the above would prevent me from using this Philips Soupmaker or not recommending it to anyone. We love delicious soups, especially those that can be made with fresh, seasonal vegetables and ingredients. It is nutritious, healthy cooking and is uncomplicated. We love this Philips – Viva Collection 1.3 Quart Soupmaker, and, just bought one from Best Buy for our Grand Daughter, who is also an avid soup-lover. I highly recommend the purchase of this unit for your own family, as a wedding or anniversary gift, or to a special friend. If you are pressed for time to cook this is what you need You won't be disappointed
