A method for improving the direct reduction of metal oxides in a continuous furnace with a rotating hearth. The method deposits two or several layers with increasing metal oxide contents in each layer towards a top loading surface and decreases carbon contents towards the top loading surface, which carbon will be preheated to a temperature of the order of 200.degree. C. while the metal oxides will be preheated to a temperature of 800.degree. C. The furnace is provided with equipment producing at the loading surface triangular grooves and in first and second zones of the furnace matching equipment with double action.