Keep your kitchen simple
Useful tools. Less clutter.
You can make a very good soup with a saucepan, a knife and a wooden spoon.
Start with what you already have
A comfortably sized, heavy-based saucepan with a lid is a useful starting point. Leave space above the liquid so you can stir safely. A stable chopping board, a sharp knife and a ladle cover most basic recipes.
A good saucepan
Choose a size you can safely lift when full, with secure handles and a base suitable for your hob.
An immersion blender
Helpful if you enjoy smooth soups. Check the maker’s hot-liquid instructions and keep the blending head submerged while running.
A fine sieve
Useful for straining stock. Work in manageable batches with a heatproof container underneath.
Storage containers
Shallow, freezer-suitable containers make portioning and labelling easier. Leave room for expansion.
Three commercial options
Commercial Immersion Blenders Compared: Pureeing 10-Gallon Pots Like a Pro
Three commercial immersion blenders compared at lower, mid and higher prices, with capacity checks, practical buying advice and Amazon UK links.
Compare the three blenders →The buying guide
Heavy-Gauge Stockpots vs. Cheap Pots: Which One Do You Really Need?
Find out when a heavier soup pot helps, when an inexpensive pot is enough, and what to check before buying: base, size, handles and hob compatibility.
Find the right pot for your kitchen →