Morphy Richards Soup Maker – Steam or Condensation From the Lid: What's Normal?

Noticed steam escaping from the lid of your Morphy Richards Soup Maker, or water droplets forming around the top of the appliance?

A small amount of steam or condensation is normal when making hot soup. As the ingredients heat up, moisture turns into steam, and some of this may condense into water droplets on cooler surfaces.

However, excessive steam, hot liquid escaping around the lid or soup overflowing may indicate an issue that needs attention.

This guide explains what's normal, what to check and when to stop using your Soup Maker.

Is It Normal for Steam to Come From My Soup Maker?

Yes. During the Smooth, Chunky and other heated cooking programmes, the ingredients are heated to cook your soup.

As the temperature rises, you may notice:

• Small amounts of steam around the lid or designated steam outlet.
• Condensation forming on the lid or nearby surfaces.
• Water droplets collecting around the top of the jug.
• More visible steam towards the later stages of cooking.

These are generally normal signs of heating.

The important difference is whether you're seeing steam or actual hot liquid escaping.

A little steam is expected. Soup bubbling out, liquid running down the outside of the appliance or forceful steam escaping from an incorrectly fitted lid is not something to ignore.

Why Is There Water or Condensation Around the Lid?

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface.

During cooking, steam may collect around the lid and turn back into small water droplets.

This is particularly noticeable when:

• You're preparing a hot soup.
• The kitchen is cooler than the steam coming from the appliance.
• The Soup Maker has been operating for several minutes.
• The cooking programme is approaching completion.

A few droplets of condensation do not necessarily indicate a leak or fault.

However, water continuously running down the outside of the jug, particularly towards electrical connections, requires further investigation.

What Should I Check if There Seems to Be Too Much Steam?

If you're concerned about the amount of steam coming from your Soup Maker, follow these checks.

1. Check the Filling Level

Overfilling is one of the most common reasons hot soup may bubble up towards the lid.

When ingredients heat, boil and blend, the contents move around inside the jug.

If the appliance is overfilled, there may not be enough room for this movement.

What to do:

1. If hot liquid is escaping, stop the programme using the normal controls if safe to do so.
2. Switch off and unplug the appliance when safe.
3. Allow the contents to cool before checking the filling level.
4. Check that the combined ingredients and liquid do not exceed the maximum permitted level.
5. If the appliance has a minimum filling level, ensure the contents also meet that requirement.

Important: Filling requirements differ between models.

• 48822, 501014, 501021 and 501022: Use the MIN and MAX markings applicable to your jug.
• 501020 Total Control: Use the correct portion-level markings for the amount of soup being prepared.
• 501025 Perfect Soup Maker: Follow the jug's filling and portion markings, including any applicable weighing or portion guidance.
• 501050 Clarity: Use the filling markings on the transparent jug.

Never exceed the maximum level, even if the ingredients appear to fit comfortably before cooking.

2. Check That the Lid Is Fitted Correctly

An incorrectly positioned lid may allow more steam to escape than expected.

Before starting a cooking programme:

• Ensure the lid is positioned correctly.
• Check that it sits securely on the jug.
• Make sure no ingredients are trapped between the lid and jug rim.
• Check that the lid and surrounding surfaces are free from food residue.
• Do not force the lid into position.

Some models have lid safety mechanisms that prevent cooking unless the lid is correctly fitted.

Do not attempt to bypass or adjust these safety mechanisms.

If the lid appears damaged, distorted or unable to sit securely, stop using the appliance and contact Customer Support.

3. Check the Ingredients and Consistency

Certain ingredients can produce more foam or bubbling during cooking.

These include:

• Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes.
• Thick soups containing large amounts of blended vegetables.
• Ingredients that produce foam during heating.
• Recipes containing too little liquid for the quantity of solid ingredients.

If your soup is particularly thick, it may bubble or move differently during cooking.

What to do:

• Prepare ingredients in manageable pieces.
• Use the correct amount of liquid for your recipe.
• Keep the total contents within the permitted filling levels.
• Avoid packing ingredients tightly into the jug.
• Do not add extra ingredients beyond the maximum level once cooking has started.

If the soup is too thick, adjust the ingredient-to-liquid ratio the next time you prepare the recipe.

For more advice, see our Soup Maker – Food Burning or Sticking to the Base troubleshooting guide.

4. Make Sure the Appliance Is Positioned Safely

Steam needs space to disperse without affecting nearby surfaces.

Always position your Soup Maker:

• On a flat, stable and heat-resistant worktop.
• Away from the edge of the worktop.
• Away from curtains and other materials that could be affected by heat.
• With sufficient clearance above and around the appliance.
• Away from the underside of wall cupboards where steam could cause condensation damage.

Do not place the appliance directly beneath electrical sockets or where steam could reach electrical equipment.

Avoid moving the Soup Maker while it is operating or contains hot liquid.

Is Steam Normal When Using the Sauté Function?

Some heat-related vapour may occur during Sauté, but the operating procedure depends on your model.

Model 501014 – Sauté & Soup Maker

On model 501014, the Sauté function operates with the lid removed.

This allows you to stir ingredients while cooking.

Some vapour from heated ingredients is expected.

If you're using this model, do not fit the lid while Sauté is operating, as doing so deactivates the function.

For detailed guidance, see:

Morphy Richards Soup Maker – Sauté Function Not Working (Model 501014)

Model 501020 – Total Control Soup Maker

On model 501020, Sauté heating operates with the lid fitted.

Removing the lid temporarily pauses heating, allowing you to add or stir ingredients.

Heating resumes when the lid is replaced correctly.

Take care when removing the lid, as hot vapour may escape.

For detailed guidance, see:

Morphy Richards Soup Maker – Sauté Function Not Working (Model 501020 Total Control)

These two models have different Sauté procedures. Do not apply the lid instructions from one model to the other.

Should I Remove the Lid to Let Steam Escape?

No. Do not remove the lid during an active soup cooking or blending programme simply to release steam.

The appliance is designed to operate with the lid correctly fitted during its main cooking programmes.

Removing the lid while the appliance is operating may expose you to hot liquid, steam or moving blades.

If excessive steam or hot liquid is escaping:

1. Stop the programme using the normal controls if safe to do so.
2. Switch off and unplug the appliance when safe.
3. Allow it to cool before investigating.
4. Check the filling level, lid positioning and ingredients.

Do not block steam outlets, cover the lid with a cloth or attempt to seal gaps using additional materials.

Exception: Models 501014 and 501020 have specific lid procedures for their Sauté functions, as explained above.

What if Soup Is Bubbling Out or Overflowing?

Hot soup escaping from around the lid is different from normal condensation.

Overflowing may occur when:

• The jug has been filled beyond its maximum level.
• The ingredients produce excessive foam.
• The soup is particularly thick.
• The lid isn't correctly fitted.
• An obstruction or residue is affecting the lid area.

What should I do?

1. Stop the cooking programme if safe.
2. Switch off and unplug the appliance when safe.
3. Allow the appliance and contents to cool completely.
4. Check for signs of overfilling or food residue.
5. Clean any affected external surfaces using a suitable damp cloth once cool, keeping electrical connections dry.
6. Inspect the lid and jug for visible damage.

Do not use the appliance again if liquid has entered electrical connections or the electrical housing. Contact Customer Support for advice.

If overflowing happens repeatedly despite the correct filling level and lid positioning, the appliance may require further assessment.

What if Steam Is Coming From an Unusual Area?

Steam produced during cooking normally comes from the heated contents of the jug.

However, steam or vapour appearing from areas that are not associated with the cooking vessel should be treated cautiously.

Stop using the appliance if you notice:

• Steam or smoke emerging from the electrical housing.
• Vapour coming from the power connection.
• An unusual electrical or burning-plastic smell.
• Sparking, crackling or signs of overheating.
• Liquid leaking into the base or electrical components.

Switch off and unplug the appliance if safe to do so.

Do not attempt to dismantle, repair or test the appliance again.

Contact Customer Support for further advice.

What if I Notice Steam or Vapour During the First Few Uses?

Some Morphy Richards Soup Maker instruction books explain that a small amount of smoke or vapour may be noticeable around the lid during initial use.

This can be associated with manufacturing residues and may disappear after the first few uses.

However, this should not be confused with persistent smoke, an electrical burning smell or visible overheating.

If the vapour is accompanied by a strong or unusual smell, continues beyond initial use or appears to come from electrical components, stop using the appliance.

Normal Steam or Possible Problem?

When Should I Contact Morphy Richards?

Please contact Customer Support if:

• Excessive steam continues despite the correct filling level and lid positioning.
• Hot liquid repeatedly escapes around the lid.
• The lid appears damaged or doesn't fit securely.
• Water or soup has entered electrical connections.
• Steam appears to be coming from the electrical housing.
• You notice unusual smoke, burning smells or signs of overheating.
• You're unsure whether the amount or location of steam is normal.

Still Need Help?

Contact our Customer Support team.

To help us understand what's happening, please tell us:

• Your Soup Maker model number.
• Where the steam or condensation is appearing.
• Whether it's steam, water droplets or actual soup escaping.
• Which programme you're using.
• Whether the issue happens every time or only with certain recipes.
• Whether the contents are within the correct filling levels.

If safe, you can also include a photograph of the affected area once the appliance has cooled.

Our team will review the information and advise on the appropriate next steps.

Quick Summary – Steam or Condensation From Your Soup Maker

• A small amount of steam during cooking is normal.
• Condensation around the lid can occur when steam cools.
• Keep the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface with sufficient ventilation.
• Always use the correct filling levels for your model.
• Ensure the lid is correctly fitted during soup cooking programmes.
• Do not remove the lid during active cooking or blending to release steam.
• Sauté lid requirements differ between models 501014 and 501020.
• Hot liquid overflowing or steam coming from electrical components is not normal.
• If excessive steam or leaking persists, stop using the appliance and contact Customer Support.

For more help with heating, blending, error messages and other common issues, visit our:

Morphy Richards Soup Maker – All Models – Troubleshooting & Support