Abstract: A ladle for receiving molten metal is heated by a direct flame, by applying a lid to the rim of the ladle and directing an air stream through a heat exchanger and through the lid to the ladle, mixing fuel with the air and igniting the mixture and directing the flame into the ladle chamber, and exhausting the gases of combustion from the ladle chamber back through the lid and heat exchanger. A heat shield is mounted adjacent the lid and is sized and shaped to telescopically receive the rim of the ladle, and a ring of air is moved between the heat shield and the rim of the ladle to an air pickup ring. The ring of air blocks the gases escaping from inside the ladle through any openings between the ladle rim and the lid, the heat shield blocks heat radiation from any such openings, and the ring of moving air cools the heat shield.