An apparatus for producing a metal ribbon has a rotary roll. Molten metal is poured from a heated nozzle onto the outer peripheral surface of the roll to form a solidified metal ribbon on the roll surface. To facilitate easy separation of the metal ribbon from the roll surface, a jet of a non-oxidizing gas is directed to the point of separation of the ribbon from the roll surface. The roll surface just upstream of the metal-pouring nozzle is enclosed by a cover the inside of which is evacuated to assure intimate contact of the poured metal with the roll surface and thus improve cooling of the poured metal. A heater is provided in the cover to heat the roll surface just upstream of the metal-pouring nozzle for thereby removing dew droplets and ambient gases from the roll surface whereby the formation of depressions or recesses in the roll-containing ribbon surface is prevented.