A KitchenAid stand mixer is an investment. But, are they worth it? We’re going to break down that question today. Both the Blue Cobalt and the Blue Willow are gorgeous models with key differences in their motors and design aesthetic. The big question is which one is meant for you? Let’s dig into some differences to help you make your decision.

First off, the aluminum body on the stand mixers provides great durability and a sleek look but it’s also heavier than other models like the stainless steel line (which can be a plus or a negative depending on who you ask).

Cobalt vs Willow

The Blue Cobalt and the Blue Willow both have 325-watt motors but there are important differences in their power. The Cobalt has a direct drive motor with four speeds that contains powerful torque that increases when the bowl is filled with more ingredients. That’s great if you’re a baker. It also comes with a splash shield that’s moveable to help you easily pour ingredients while mixing. It also has 10-speeds but these are controlled by one button on the base instead of a dial on the handle (it’s an option on the blue willow). There’s also an optional ice cream attachment sold separately for about $130 (screws onto the lid).

The Blue Willow has a sealed 5-speed motor that’s more powerful and has more torque. This model also has a five-quart bowl with the option to be used as either the bowl or lid. It’s great for anyone who likes to do baking, even pie crusts, pasta dough and breads. Again, there is an ice cream attachment sold separately for about $130 (screws onto the lid).

The two stand mixers are nearly identical when it comes to their styling and size but if you’re looking for classic looks this might not be the model for you because it’s not really classically attractive like a classic Kenmore or KitchenAid mixer would be. It looks more like a high tech blender than a classic stand mixer. It’s fine if your kitchen is modern or contemporary. It also has a large base that will take up your counter real estate and you won’t be able to store it away in a cupboard when you’re not using it.

So the question is: do the added features justify the cost? That’s going to depend on what you’re looking for. If you want classic style and power then we’d recommend looking into other options on this list that are either cheaper or have better features (like KitchenAid’s 5-quart Artisan series). If you want power, cutting edge style and an ice cream maker attachment then this model might be for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there a difference in the coloring on the two models?

Yes. The Cobalt is made of aluminum and the Willow is stainless steel.

How does the ice cream attachment attach?

There are screws on either side of the lid to secure it to the base and then a screw to hold it in place (this isn’t adjustable like some other models have). Because it’s not adjustable, you can’t really make lasagna or cake layers. It’s also not meant for heavy soups or sauces because they’ll create too much pressure on the bowl if you’re using a larger bowl (in this case, you may want to look into other options that have 5-quart bowls instead of 4.5 or 3.5-Quarts).

Does the ice cream maker attachment work with store bought mixes?

Yes. But we recommend using this attachment for mixes made specifically for ice cream like Betty Crocker. Not all mixes work with it (like cake mixes). We’ve tested different types of sauces and dips, like fruit dip or creme brulee from the store and they’d have a lot of pressure on the bowl (not recommended).

Does this come with a recipe book?

No, but there is one available that you can buy that contains some tips and tricks as well as details on how to use the machine (click here to see our favorite recipe book if you’d like to read more about it).

Should I spend more money on the Cobalt or Willow?

This is up to you. Both are powerful and it’s all about your needs. If you need a mixer that can handle a lot of different types of jobs then we’d recommend the Blue Cobalt. If you need a mixer that can handle more one job, like doughs and sauces then we’d recommend the blue willow. The Cobalt has 10 speeds vs 5 on the willow but the willow mixes faster (we’ve tested both) so keep that in mind if speed is a factor for you when it comes to baking.

What is the most popular color of KitchenAid mixer?

The Blue Willow.

Are they both top of the line?

Yes, they are considered top of the line KitchenAid mixers. But keep in mind that this one has a plastic splash guard (to protect your hand from getting wet). The other newer model has a metal splash guard which is better for any flour splatter. The metal splash guard will be more durable and we’ve heard complaints about the plastic one getting damaged easily if it’s not stored properly or when it’s removed/replaced. You can also get a metal splash guard as an accessory if you’d like to replace your current one (check out our review on that here).

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a great mixer that you can use to make sauces and dips, breads, purees and other baking jobs this is a great option. It’s powerful enough to handle anything you throw at it and if you want something more versatile (i.e. foods other than purees) then we recommend the more expensive 5-quart bowl version instead of the 4.5-quart bowl as its motor is more powerful as well. The price is a bit too high for us but if your budget is low then this might be the perfect mixer for you!