An improved method and apparatus for removing moisture from a wet material. The apparatus is of the type having: an elongated trough having at least one level for containing the material, the trough having an upward open portion, a downward closed portion, a feed end for receiving the material and a delivery end for discharge of the material; means, associated with the trough, for conveying the material contained in the trough from the feed end to the delivery end; a heat plate for generating a radiant heat mounted along substantially the entire length of the open portion of each level of the trough such that the material conveyed in each level of the trough is exposed to the radiant heat in order that a portion of the moisture in the material may be evaporated; means, operatively connected to the heat plate, for controlling the temperature of the heat plate in order that the radiant heat is generated in a controlled manner such that a desired temperature of the material throughout each level of the trough may be maintained; and means, associated with the trough, for collecting the moisture evaporated by the radiant heat. The heat plate is preferably electrically heated. The method for removing moisture from the wet material is performed by using the apparatus.