This is simply the must have all year round gadget, perfect in the winter for making soups from scratch as it has an integrated 1000 watt heating element & non stick plate that can actually cook & brown your vegetables, it can boil, simmer & blend your ingredients to your perfect consistency. It can even be used for making sauces, dips, dressings, purees, smoothies, cocktails, desserts & crushing ice, amazing!!!