Abstract: An apparatus for cooking or heating a material has a base formed from a thermally conductive material. The base has a floor and a wall which define a receptacle adapted to receive the material to be heated. The cooling apparatus further includes a lid, also formed of a thermally conductive material. A heat source is provided in thermal connection with the wall. A second heat source may also be provided in thermal connection with the lid. The lid is provided with a vent to permit fluids generated during use of the apparatus to escape.