Purpose - Aims to present recent activities in numerical modeling of cold crucible melting process. Design/methodology/approach - 3D numerical analysis was used for electromagnetic problem and 3D large eddy simulation (LES) method was applied for fluid flow modeling. Findings - The comparative modeling shows, that higher H/D ratio of the melt is more efficient when total power consumption is considered, but this advantage is held back by higher heat losses through the crucible walls. Also, calculations reveal that lower frequencies, which are energetically less effective, provide better mixing of the melt. Originality/value - 3D electromagnetic model, which allows to take into account non-symmetrical distribution of Joule heat sources, together with transient LES fluid flow simulation gives the opportunity of accurate prediction of temperature distribution in the melt. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.