An experimental investigation was performed to determine heat transfer coefficients during the outward melting of a phase-change material (PCM),maintained at its fusion temperature, around an isothermal cylinder positioned vertically. The position and shape of the Solid-liquid interface were determined as a function of time, for diferent temperatures of the cylinder. The ratio height-to-diameter of the cylinder was chosen to be five, in order to allow comparisons with available results. The Stefan number range investigated was 0,017 - 0,33 corresponding to a Rayleigh number variation from 7x10 to the fourth power to 2x10 to the sixth power. The data obtained was used in the determination of local Nusselt numbers for the interface and average Nusselt numbers for cylinder surface. The dependence of the molten mass on time was also determined, for several combinations of the relevant parameters. Solutions of the axisymmetric melting problem without natural convection effects (Stefan-like problem) were obtained via finite-element analysis. These numerical results were compared with the experimental data, which permitted the determination of times when the natural convection effects in the liquid region become of importance. The experimental data were compared with the results of an available numerical analysis of the same physical situation, and excellent agreement was obtained.