Electrode for fused melt electrolysis comprising a top portion (5) of metal or metal alloy where appropriate including a cooling device (2,3) and the top portion (5) is protected at least partially by an insulating coating (4) of high-temperature resistance, and at least one bottom portion (6) of active material. The electrodes can be used more particularly for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminium, magnesium, alkaline metals or compounds thereof and are characterized by very advantageous energy consumption combined with high operational reliability.