A crucible apparatus includes a crucible and one or more induction coils arranged around the crucible. Upon application of electric power to the one or more induction coils, a first thermal zone is generated in at least a first portion of the crucible and a second thermal zone is generated in at least a second portion of the crucible, wherein a first thermal characteristic of the first thermal zone is different from a second thermal characteristic of the second thermal zone.

A multi-section coil enhanced stirring system wherein only one of the coils is powered from a single-phase AC source to enhance the stirring of the metal.