Abstract: For stirring molten metal such as aluminum in a furnace, metal is alternately withdrawn from and discharged as a jet into the body of molten metal, such being effected by successive application of suction and gaseous pressure to a tubular vessel which projects beneath the surface of the molten metal for advantageously delivering the successive quantities in a horizontal direction over a preferably long path. Effective, reliable stirring of the entire body of metal is achieved with one or more such means, the extent of stirring being controllable; the results include saving of energy and of time for furnace operation, and reduction of melt loss.