Abstract: A preheater for a casting ladle includes a stationary horizontal refractory deck having vertical apertures in which are disposed refractory plugs, each of which supports an electrical heating element that depends downwardly from the refractory deck. A lifting table is movable into registration with the set of depending electrical heating elements and is also adapted to support the casting ladle thereon and to raise it into surrounding relation with the electric heating elements that depend from the refractory deck. Individual defective heating elements can be removed and replaced during operation of other operative heating elements.