Paddle Blenders consist of a U-shaped horizontal trough and a solid agitator shaft mounted with paddle blades. The paddles are precisely pitched to move material both radially and axially, in opposite directions. Compared to a ribbon agitator design which inherently generates pinch points near the vessel walls where delicate product may be compressed, the paddle agitator has less surface area at the periphery and imparts a gentler blending action with less heat development.