Portable mixer has three inputs and two outputs. The volume controls are rotary knobs and switches are especially convenient in the field, where digital menus are often hard to see and activate. There are two types of mixer one direct drive portables and gear drive portables. Direct drive portables have smaller impellers since that run at higher speed than the corresponding gear drive portables. This means that they have higher shear rates and lower pumping capacities than the slower speed units.

Portable mixing machine is used for mixing liquids in drums and other shipping containers after storage and prior to the transfer or use of the contents, in order to assure a homogeneous mixture. It may use a propeller type mixer arranged in a preferred geometrical relationship in a relatively tall, narrow cylindrical tank in order to achieve optimum mixing efficiency. It may also utilize a clamp type mount to secure the mixer to the upper rim of a drum or tank.