Even better than a discounted carton of Covent Garden Soup Co, this blender with an integrated heater takes you frsh ingredients to hot soup at pretty much the touch of a button.

Price: £139 | Cuisinart

The Soup Maker spins up to 1.4 litres of soup from 1.75 litres of cold ingredients. The powerful 500W motor blends everything to the right consistency, before you sautée, boil, heat and simmer to your heart's content, without the need for a separate pan.

As well as taking convenience to a new level – an internal heater keeps the soup at the right temperature and you can also serve straight from the glass jar – it's incredibly healthy. The cooking plate is non-stick too, meaning cleaning isn't too much of a chore.

The Cusinart Coup Maker is deal for those on a health kick who lack time or enthusiasm – ie, most of us.