Gas-flow resistance elements are incorporated in each of the rich-gas distribution lines, the lean-gas distribution ducts and the smoke-gas ducts forming part of a battery of coke ovens. The flow resistance elements are employed to insure uniform and adequate distribution of combustion media along the individual rows of heating flues of the coke oven battery. Substantially identical gas-flow resistance elements in the rich-gas distribution lines reduce the flow of rich-gas by an amount which is greater than 50 mmWG whereby, for example, a rich-gas head pressure of 120 mmWG is reduced to approximately 70 mmWG. Substantially identical gas-flow resistance elements in the lean-gas distribution branch ducts reduce the lean-gas pressure therein by an amount greater than 100 mmWG. Substantially identical gas-flow resistance elements in the smoke-gas ducts reduce the flow of smoke-gas therein by an amount corresponding to a loss of head pressure which is greater than 15 mmWG.