If the Sauté function on your Morphy Richards 501020 Total Control Soup Maker isn't heating, won't start or stops when you remove the lid, there are several things you can check.
The 501020 has a built-in lid safety mechanism that controls when Sauté can operate. Understanding how this works can help explain why the function may appear to stop unexpectedly.
This guide explains how to use Sauté correctly, what happens when the lid is removed and how to identify a possible fault.
This guide applies specifically to Morphy Richards Total Control Soup Maker model 501020. The Sauté function operates differently on model 501014.
1. How to Use the Sauté Function Correctly
The Sauté function allows you to cook ingredients such as onions, garlic and vegetables before starting a soup programme.
On model 501020, the lid must be fitted for Sauté heating to operate.
Follow these steps:
- Ensure the appliance is switched off and unplugged.
- Remove the lid, taking care around the sharp blade assembly.
- Add a little oil to the removable cooking vessel.
- Connect the soup maker to the mains.
- Press the Mode button until the Sauté indicator is highlighted.
- Replace the lid securely.
- Press Start/Stop to activate Sauté. The appliance should begin heating.
- Allow approximately one minute for the oil to heat.
- Carefully remove the lid and add the ingredients you wish to sauté.
- Replace the lid to allow heating to continue.
- If necessary, briefly remove the lid to stir the ingredients, then replace it.
- When finished, press Start/Stop to end Sauté.
- Add the remaining soup ingredients and liquid, select the required soup programme and start cooking.
Important: Do not operate the Sauté function for more than 10 minutes.
Take care when adding ingredients to hot oil, as splashing may occur. The vessel and contents become very hot during use.
2. Sauté Stops Heating When I Remove the Lid
This is normal operation on model 501020.
The appliance is designed to temporarily deactivate Sauté heating whenever the lid is removed.
This allows you to add or stir ingredients during cooking.
What should I do?
Simply replace the lid securely.
The soup maker remembers the Sauté setting, so you don't need to select the programme again or press Start/Stop each time you remove the lid.
Once the lid is correctly replaced, the function should continue.
If heating doesn't resume when the lid is refitted, follow the checks below.
3. The Sauté Function Won't Start
If you select Sauté but nothing happens, check the operating sequence first.
Check 1 – Is the removable vessel correctly positioned?
The 501020 has a removable cooking vessel that sits inside the main jug body.
Before starting:
- Ensure the appliance is unplugged and cool.
- Check that the removable vessel is correctly positioned inside the jug body.
- Ensure it is seated securely and isn't obstructed by food residue or other objects.
Do not attempt to operate the appliance without the removable vessel correctly installed.
Check 2 – Is the lid correctly fitted?
The lid must be in place for Sauté heating to operate.
Check that:
- The lid is correctly positioned.
- Nothing is trapped between the lid and jug.
- Food residue isn't preventing the lid from fitting securely.
- The lid isn't visibly damaged.
If the lid isn't fitted correctly, the safety mechanism may prevent heating.
Never attempt to bypass or interfere with the lid safety mechanism.
Check 3 – Have you selected Sauté and pressed Start/Stop?
Selecting Sauté using the Mode button doesn't start heating automatically.
You must:
- Press Mode until the Sauté indicator is highlighted.
- Ensure the lid is fitted.
- Press Start/Stop to begin.
If the function still won't activate, there may be a problem with the controls, lid detection or another internal component.
4. The Sauté Function Is Selected but Doesn't Heat
If Sauté has been selected and started correctly, the appliance should begin heating the removable vessel.
The cooking instructions allow approximately one minute of initial heating before ingredients are added.
What should I check?
Is the lid fitted?
Sauté heating pauses whenever the lid is removed.
Replace the lid securely to allow the function to continue.
Has Start/Stop been pressed?
The function must be started using the Start/Stop button after selecting Sauté.
Is the removable vessel correctly seated?
An incorrectly positioned vessel may prevent the appliance from operating as intended.
Is the base of the removable vessel clean?
Burnt-on food or heavy residue can affect cooking performance.
If the vessel contains burnt residue, switch off and unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
Has the function stopped unexpectedly?
If the appliance stops heating despite the lid being correctly fitted and the function being active, there may be an issue requiring further investigation.
If Sauté consistently fails to produce heat despite following the correct operating procedure, contact Customer Support.
Do not repeatedly run the appliance with oil alone to test whether the heating system is working.
5. Sauté Doesn't Resume After Replacing the Lid
When the lid is removed during Sauté, the appliance temporarily deactivates heating but retains the selected setting.
Replacing the lid should allow the function to continue without restarting the programme.
If this doesn't happen:
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Check that the lid and jug rim are clean.
- Check that nothing is preventing the lid from fitting securely.
- Inspect the lid for visible damage.
If the lid appears correctly fitted but Sauté still doesn't resume during normal use, contact Customer Support.
Do not attempt to adjust, dismantle or bypass the lid safety mechanism.
6. The Sauté Function Stops Before I've Finished Cooking
The 501020 Sauté function is intended for short periods of cooking before preparing soup.
The maximum recommended Sauté time is 10 minutes.
If you've been using the function for an extended period, finish sautéing within this limit rather than attempting to keep it running continuously.
If the function stops unexpectedly after only a short period, check whether:
- The lid has been removed or become incorrectly positioned.
- Start/Stop has been pressed.
- The appliance has displayed an error or warning.
- Food has burnt onto the base.
If Sauté repeatedly stops unexpectedly despite correct use, discontinue using the function and contact Customer Support.
7. Ingredients Are Sticking or Burning During Sauté
The Sauté function heats the base of the removable vessel directly, so ingredients may stick or burn if they're left unattended.
To help prevent this:
- Add a little oil before starting Sauté.
- Allow approximately one minute for initial heating.
- Stir ingredients as required during cooking.
- Replace the lid after adding or stirring ingredients so heating can continue.
- Avoid leaving ingredients unattended.
- Keep the total Sauté time within 10 minutes.
- Avoid metal utensils that could damage the cooking surface.
If ingredients burn onto the base:
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow the vessel to cool completely.
- Clean it using a soft cloth or sponge and a suitable mild washing-up solution.
- Avoid abrasive scourers or metal tools that could damage the surface.
For additional advice, see:
Morphy Richards Soup Maker – Food Burning or Sticking to the Base
8. Sauté Works but the Soup Programme Doesn't
If the Sauté function operates normally but the appliance won't start a Smooth, Medium or Chunky soup programme, the problem may not be related to Sauté itself.
Check the following:
Has Sauté been switched off?
Press Start/Stop to end Sauté before selecting a soup programme.
Have the remaining ingredients and liquid been added?
After sautéing, add the remaining ingredients and liquid for your chosen recipe.
Is the filling level correct?
The 501020 uses portion markings for different quantities. Ensure the ingredients and liquid are appropriate for the selected portion size.
Is the lid fitted securely?
The lid must be correctly fitted for the soup programmes to operate.
Has the correct programme been selected and started?
Use Mode to select Smooth, Medium or Chunky, select the required portion size where applicable, then press Start/Stop.
If the soup programme still won't start, see our Soup Maker Not Turning On or Starting troubleshooting guide.
9. How Do I Know Whether Sauté Is Working Normally?
| What happens | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté indicator is highlighted | Sauté has been selected | Fit the lid and press Start/Stop |
| Sauté doesn't heat with the lid removed | Normal lid safety operation | Replace the lid |
| Sauté pauses when adding ingredients | Normal operation | Refit the lid to continue |
| Sauté resumes after replacing the lid | Normal operation | Continue cooking |
| Sauté doesn't resume with the lid correctly fitted | Possible lid detection or control issue | Follow the lid checks above |
| Sauté starts but the vessel remains cold | Possible heating or control issue | Contact Customer Support if the issue persists |
| Sauté repeatedly stops unexpectedly | Possible operating or appliance issue | Stop using the function and contact Customer Support |
10. When Should I Contact Morphy Richards?
Please contact Customer Support if:
- The Sauté function won't activate despite the correct operating sequence.
- The lid is correctly fitted but the function won't heat.
- Sauté doesn't resume after replacing the lid.
- The appliance repeatedly stops during Sauté.
- The control panel doesn't respond when selecting Sauté.
- The lid or removable vessel appears damaged.
- You notice smoke, sparking, unusual electrical smells or other signs of an electrical fault.
If there are signs of electrical damage, stop using the appliance 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 function can be selected on the control panel.
- Whether you've pressed Start/Stop to begin heating.
- Whether the lid is correctly fitted.
- Whether heating stops when the lid is removed and resumes when it's replaced.
- Whether the Smooth, Medium or Chunky programmes operate normally.
- What troubleshooting you've already completed.
Our team will review the information and advise on the appropriate next steps.
Summary – Sauté Not Working on Model 501020
- The lid must be fitted for Sauté heating to operate.
- Select Sauté using the Mode button, then press Start/Stop.
- Allow approximately one minute for initial heating.
- Removing the lid temporarily deactivates Sauté.
- Replacing the lid allows the function to continue without resetting it.
- Do not use Sauté for more than 10 minutes.
- Ensure the removable vessel is correctly positioned.
- If Sauté doesn't heat or repeatedly stops despite correct use, further investigation may be required.
Following the correct operating sequence can help resolve common Sauté-related issues.
If the function still isn't working as expected, our Customer Support team is here to help.