A molten metal handling device comprising an outer shell defined by a bottom and two side walls, an insulating layer partially filling the outer shell and a thermally conductive castable refractory body for carrying molten metal, the refractory body being within the insulating layer. The device further includes at least one heating element positioned in the insulating layer, adjacent to the refractory body. The refractory body is preferably fabricated from a castable alumina or castable silicon carbide material.