Tumbling mixers/blenders are most commonly used for powders with similar densities. There are different types of tumbling mixers, including V-shaped, rotating cube, cylindrical, double-cone, oblique, and Y-cone mixers.

The machines are widely used for homogenous mixing of dry granules and powders and are thus may also act as powder mixers, spice mixers and spice blenders. As the agitator rotates in the ribbon blender, the material is tumbled and carried radically around the inside of the blender.

Mixers help automate the repetitive tasks of stirring, whisking or beating. When the beaters are replaced by a dough hook, a mixer may also be used to knead. A mixer may be a handheld mechanism known as an eggbeater, a handheld motorized beater, or a drill mixer.