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Microwave Energy Cooks!
As Dr. Percy Spencer was working on magnetrons (vacuum tubes), he finds that the chocolate bar in his pocket has melted. He realizes that microwave energy cooks food fast, -
First Commercial Microwave
The first commercial microwaves were 5 1/2 feet tall, weighed more than 700 pounds, and cost about 5,000 dollars. It also had to be connected to plumbing. -
Early 1950s: First Microwave Ovens for Homes
The first microwaves for home-use cost $1,295 and were in a cabinet the size of a refrigerator. -
First Countertop Microwave Oven
This model, put out in 1967, used less energy, cost under $500, and was much smaller. It was also safer than the models that came before it. -
Federal Standards Put in Place
Standards and regulations set by the federal government fixed previous problems with microwaves leaking out of microwave ovens. -
Microwaves Cheaper, Do More, and Sell
During the 1970s, microwaves became increasingly inexpensive and were able to do more than previous models. Models were also air-cooled and did not require plumbing. By 1975, more microwave ovens were sold than gas ranges. -
More Microwaves than Dishwashers
By 1976, more households had microwaves than dishwashers. 60%, or about 52 million households, had microwave ovens this year. -
Almost All Homes Have Microwaves
Today, more than 95% of households have a microwave.
