Microwave Ovens Central

The microwave oven has a colorful history. We've all heard of the scientist who discovered microwave radiation through a melting chocolate bar. But how much do we really know about history of that little kitchen tool? Let's take a quick look through the history of the microwave.

From the lab to the kitchen.
Percy Spencer began working at the Raytheon Corporation in the 1920s and was there in the 1940s when Raytheon was making magnetrons--an important component in radar. While busy at work one day, Spencer noticed that a candy bar was melting in his pocket. While some say the candy bar was chocolate and peanut butter and others claim it was chocolate only--the flavor is unimportant--as Percy Spencer had stumbled across one of the most important cooking discoveries of the 20th century.

The first microwave oven developed by Spencer and Raytheon was nearly two meters tall. A far cry from today's comparatively svelte models. It was created in 1947, called the "Radarange", and cost up to $3,000. For comparison, that would cost nearly $30,000 today. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the first commercial microwave oven didn't sell all too well.

Prices were bound to drop, however. Nonetheless, it took 12 years until the market would have its first sub-$500 microwave. It may be hard to believe now, but bringing microwave ovens to a price that would be around $1,200 today was a major step in creating widespread acceptance of the appliance.

Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s prices for microwave ovens dropped even further and became even more in reach for the average household. Once a luxury for commercial outfits, the microwave can now be found in households and workplaces and have, indeed become inexorably linked to the college dorm. While microwave ovens have become ubiquitous, they are in households today due to the chance discovery of Percy Spencer.

This article is from Microwave Ovens Central. Any comments can be directed to info@microwaveovenscentral.com.

Sources:
Wikipedia
Microtech
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