Peter Alwin, studying at the National Institute of Design in India, was awarded first place in the 2010 Electrolux Design Lab competition. The Snail, Peter’s micro induction heating concept, beat a field of 1,300 entries and seven other finalists at 100% Design, London 23rd September 2010.

The Snail is a portable heating and cooking device based on magnetic induction processes. Such is the size and versatility of the Snail, it can be stuck directly on to a pot, a pan, a mug etc. to heat the contents.This reduces the amount of space required for conventional cooking whilst adding portability to the process. Powered by a high density sugar crystal battery, the Snail converts the energy from the sugar, heating up a coil to conduct the magnetic induction process to the utensil. Integrated sensors detect the food type being heated so as to automatically adjust the time and temperature. A simple touch sensitive display with interface helps to monitor the process.