After some general remarks about liquid/solid fluidization, various aspects of liquid fluidization hydrodynamics and heat transfer have been analyzed on a coherent basis. For each of these cases, the state-of-the-art has been reported, together with some indication of areas that deserve further attention. Major emphasis is placed on the hydrodynamic behavior of fluidized beds, heat transfer mechanisms from surface-to-bed and on the effect of various parameters on the type of fluidization and heat transfer coefficient. This review covers the various correlations developed over the years for the prediction of bed voidage, heat transfer coefficient and optimum conditions of liquid/solid fluidized beds.