<p>The invention relates to a smelting furnace to smelt metals, especially steel scrap. The inventive furnace consists of a lower receptacle with a tap hole in the bottom and an upper receptacle which can be closed by a lid. A central pipe is arranged in the upper receptacle in a coaxial position with respect to the main axis of the furnace. At least one electrode is provided in said pipe. Said pipe is also provided with a component that encompasses the upper receptacle of the furnace and which can be connected to a gas offtake device. A slit (22) is arranged in the wall of the central pipe (21) in a longitudinal direction and a sleeve (23) is fastened to the edge of the slit, enabling the central pipe to be fastened to the casing of the upper receptacle (12) with a corresponding slit (15). A supporting arm (44) which is connected to a supporting pillar (45) arranged outside the furnace can be guided through the hollow sleeve (23) inside the central pipe (21) with at least one electrode (41) secured on the front face.</p>
