Abstract: The invention is for a method of pouring molten metal from a ladle to another vessel e.g. a mould, via an intermediate vessel e.g. a tundish, and to an intermediate vessel for us in such a method. Before pouring two refractory heat-insulating slabs are positioned in the intermediate vessel spaced apart and extending downwardly into the vessel. The slabs are pivotally mounted at an upper edge or in a wall portion of the intermediate vessel and positioned so that, on pouring the molten metal from the ladle into the space between the slabs, the slabs contain splash of the metal on initial pouring. As pouring is continued the slabs are raised by the molten metal and pivot about their pivotal mounting until they reach a generally horizontal position on top of the molten metal in the intermediate vessel when they form a heat-insulating cover.