If the Sauté function on your Morphy Richards Soup Maker 501014 isn't working, doesn't heat up or the indicator light won't change from red to green, there are several things you can check.
This model has a built-in lid safety mechanism that prevents the Sauté function from operating when the lid is fitted.
In many cases, understanding how this feature works and checking the correct operating sequence can help identify the problem.
This guide applies specifically to Morphy Richards Sauté & Soup Maker model 501014. Other soup maker models may operate differently.
1. Check That You're Using the Sauté Function Correctly
The Sauté function allows you to cook ingredients such as onions, garlic and vegetables before starting a soup programme.
Unlike the main soup cooking programmes, Sauté on model 501014 must be operated with the lid removed.
How to use the Sauté function
- Remove the lid, taking care around the sharp blade attached to the lid assembly.
- Connect the soup maker to the mains. The Sauté indicator should illuminate red.
- Add a suitable amount of oil or butter to the jug. If using butter, a little oil can help prevent it from burning.
- Press the Sauté button. The indicator should change from red to green, and the jug will begin heating.
- After approximately one minute, add the ingredients you want to sauté.
- Stir carefully with a wooden spatula to encourage even cooking and prevent ingredients from sticking.
- When finished, press the Sauté button again. The indicator should return to red.
- Add the remaining soup ingredients and liquid, ensuring the total contents are within the permitted filling levels.
- Fit the lid securely. The appliance should beep and the programme icons should flash in sequence.
- Press the Mode button to select Smooth or Chunky, then press Select On/Off to begin the soup programme.
Important: Do not replace the lid while using Sauté. Fitting the lid automatically deactivates the Sauté function on this model.
The jug and its contents become hot during Sauté. Take care when stirring and avoid touching the heated surfaces.
2. The Sauté Indicator Stays Red
What does the red light mean?
A red Sauté indicator means the function is not currently heating.
When you press the Sauté button with the lid removed, the indicator should change to green.
If it remains red, the lid safety mechanism may not have returned to its normal position.
What should I check?
- Switch off and unplug the soup maker.
- Allow the appliance to cool completely.
- Remove the lid.
- Locate the small plastic safety plunger on the top of the jug handle, where the lid normally sits.
- Visually check whether the plunger is raised or remains depressed.
With the lid removed, the plunger should be in its raised position.
When the lid is fitted, it presses the plunger down, preventing Sauté from operating.
If the plunger remains depressed when the lid is removed, the appliance may continue to detect the lid as fitted.
What if the plunger is stuck?
If the plunger appears stuck, damaged or does not return to its raised position, stop using the Sauté function and contact Customer Support.
Do not pull it with pliers, apply oil or other lubricants, or attempt to dismantle or bypass the safety mechanism.
If the plunger is visibly raised and undamaged, check the normal Sauté operating sequence in Section 1.
3. The Sauté Indicator Turns Green but the Jug Doesn't Heat
If the indicator changes to green, the Sauté function has been selected and heating should begin.
The jug may not feel hot immediately, as it needs a short period to warm up.
What should I check?
- Allow sufficient heating time: The operating instructions allow approximately one minute of initial heating before adding ingredients.
- Check that Sauté remains selected: The indicator should remain green while the function is active.
- Keep the lid removed: Replacing the lid deactivates Sauté.
- Check for an unexpected interruption: If the indicator returns to red without you pressing the button or fitting the lid, the function may have been interrupted.
If the indicator remains green but the jug consistently fails to heat during normal use, there may be a problem with the heating system or controls.
Do not run repeated heating tests or leave the appliance unattended to investigate the issue. Contact Customer Support for further assistance.
4. Sauté Stops When I Put the Lid On
This is normal operation on model 501014.
The appliance has a safety mechanism that disables Sauté when the lid is fitted.
Sauté is intended for preparing ingredients with the lid removed, before starting a soup cooking programme.
Once you've finished sautéing:
- Press the Sauté button to switch the function off.
- Add the remaining ingredients and liquid.
- Fit the lid securely.
- Select your preferred soup programme using the Mode button.
- Press Select On/Off to start cooking.
You do not need to keep the Sauté function running while the main soup programme is operating.
5. The Sauté Function Works but the Soup Programme Won't Start
Sauté and the main soup programmes operate differently.
If Sauté works but Smooth or Chunky won't start, check the following:
Is the lid fitted correctly?
The lid must be securely fitted for the main soup programmes to operate.
Are the programme icons flashing?
When the lid is fitted, the appliance should beep and the programme icons should flash in sequence, indicating that a programme can be selected.
Have you selected and started a programme?
Press Mode to select the required programme, then press Select On/Off to begin.
Selecting a programme alone does not start cooking.
Are the filling levels correct?
Ensure the combined ingredients and liquid are within the recommended MIN and MAX levels.
If the main cooking programme still won't start, see our related article:
Morphy Richards Soup Maker Not Turning On or Starting – Troubleshooting
6. Ingredients Are Sticking or Burning During Sauté
The Sauté function heats the base of the jug directly, so ingredients can stick or burn if they aren't stirred regularly.
To help prevent this:
- Use a suitable amount of oil or butter.
- Allow approximately one minute for initial heating before adding ingredients.
- Stir ingredients regularly using a wooden spatula.
- Avoid leaving ingredients unattended while Sauté is active.
- Do not use metal utensils that could damage the jug's non-stick coating.
- Switch Sauté off when the ingredients have finished cooking.
If ingredients have burnt onto the base, switch off and unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
For more guidance, see:
Morphy Richards Soup Maker – Food Burning or Sticking to the Base
7. What Do the Red and Green Sauté Lights Mean?
| Indicator | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Sauté is not heating | Remove the lid and press Sauté if you want to use the function |
| Green | Sauté is active and the jug should be heating | Continue with the normal Sauté procedure |
| Changes from green to red when lid is fitted | Lid safety mechanism has deactivated Sauté | Normal operation; remove the lid to use Sauté |
| Remains red when Sauté is pressed with lid removed | Possible lid safety plunger or control issue | Check the plunger visually once unplugged and cool |
| Remains green but doesn't heat | Possible heating or control issue | Contact Customer Support if heating consistently fails |
8. When Should I Contact Morphy Richards?
Please contact Customer Support if:
- The Sauté indicator remains red despite the lid being removed and the correct operating sequence being followed.
- The lid safety plunger appears stuck, damaged or does not return to its raised position.
- The Sauté indicator turns green but the jug doesn't heat.
- The Sauté function repeatedly stops unexpectedly.
- The button or indicator doesn't respond as expected.
- You notice damage, smoke, sparking or an unusual electrical burning smell.
If the appliance shows signs of an electrical fault, stop using it immediately and unplug it if safe to do so.
Do not dismantle the appliance or attempt to repair its safety mechanisms.
Still Need Help?
Contact our Customer Support team.
Please tell us:
- Whether the Sauté indicator stays red or changes to green.
- Whether the lid is removed when attempting to use Sauté.
- Whether the safety plunger appears raised or depressed.
- Whether the jug heats at all.
- Whether the normal Smooth and Chunky soup programmes operate correctly.
If possible, include a clear photograph of the safety plunger with the appliance switched off, unplugged and cool.
Our team will review the information and advise on the appropriate next steps.
Summary – Sauté Not Working on Model 501014
- Sauté only works with the lid removed.
- A red indicator means Sauté is not heating.
- A green indicator means Sauté has been activated.
- Fitting the lid automatically switches off Sauté.
- The safety plunger should be raised when the lid is removed.
- If the plunger is stuck, do not force or lubricate it.
- If the indicator is green but the jug doesn't heat, further investigation may be required.
Following the correct operating sequence and checking the lid safety mechanism can help identify many Sauté-related issues.
If the function still isn't working as expected, our Customer Support team is here to help.