If you are a 'gadget gran', you will get one, so advice on brands is useful. However, if you are not a gadget person, or have limited bench/cupboard space, think again. They are not magic! I make soup at least twice a week, and it takes 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook in a large sauté pan or saucepan. Delicious! If I use lentils or chick peas, I will cook these in water in the microwave alongside sweating the veg on the hob, then add them. James Martin's advises that, generally, soups should be rapidly made then served or chilled/frozen for later to preserve nutrients. Whatever you decide, enjoy your soup-making!