Abstract: Apparatus for treating a metal charge comprises a box furnace and a container containing material for treating the charge. The box furnace is mounted on props whose length is sufficient to permit the container to be positioned under the furnace. The furnace has a shroud within which the charge is heated. Means are provided for introducing the charge into the furnace. The shroud and the container are provided with alignable openings through which the heated charge can be transferred, by charge-transfer means, from the furnace to the container. Pressurized gas is supplied to the interiors of the shroud and the container. The charge-transfer means comprises a carrier supported within the container by a support positioned outside the container. Vertical movement of the support relative to the container causes vertical movement of the carrier.