Microwave Oven

Recently, the Microwave oven was rated as the topmost technology that made people’s lives easier. Read on to know the history of invention of microwave.

History of the Microwave

Microwave was not the result of the research to find a faster way to cook. By accident, it was discovered that microwaves could cook. During the Second World War, scientists had invented the magnetron-tube that generates microwaves. These magnetrons were installed in the radar systems of Britain so that the microwaves could spot the Nazi warplanes.

Concept of Microwave

The concept of using microwaves for cooking was accidentally noticed by Percy Spencer of Raytheon Company when he realized that the waves from the magnetron had melted the candy in his pocket. Immediately he got a pack of popcorn and held it up to the magnetron to find it pop up within minutes. He continued his research with the magnetron and food items. Finally, he invented the microwave oven; the first commercial oven was produced in the year 1946-it was huge in size and expensive.

Launch of the First Domestic Microwave

In 1967, Amana, a section of Raytheon launched its first Radarange microwave oven for use in home kitchens. Invention of the microwave oven by Raytheon influenced the competitors to introduce their own models with reduced prices. Microwave ovens started gaining popularity and came into use widely in the late 1980s.

Today, a microwave has become an integral part of most modern kitchens.