These stirrers are commonly used in laboratories for mixing small liquid vials-tubes. They consist of an electric motor and a small vertical shaft where a slightly inclined rubber receptacle is placed. When a pipe comes into contact with the socket, the motion is transmitted inside it, resulting in the formation of a vortex.

The most common applications of vortex mixers are in biochemical or analytical laboratories, in cell culture and microbiology laboratories.

Most fans have the ability to adjust the speed and duration or the mode of operation (continuous, start with contact, etc.).