Abstract: An improved electromagnetic stirring unit is disclosed for use in continuous casting of steel in which the cooling unit which houses the electromagnetic stirring coil (6) comprises a cooling wall (9) for a direct contact with the molten steel (12), the cooling wall having at its inner side a plurality of cooling water passages (10,11) for evenly distributing the cooling water, a chamber (2) for housing the electromagnetic stirring coil disposed such that the upper end of the electromagnetic stirring coil is at the level of the molten steel surface in the casting mould; a water discharge chamber (4); and a water supply chamber (3) a side wall (7) of the coil housing chamber, opposite to the cooling wall, having an opening large enough to permit the electromagnetic stirring coil to pass therethrough; the electromagnetic stirring coil being attached to a readily removable cover (7') for this opening, whereby preventive maintenance of the coil is facilitated, FIG. 2.