Evolution of the Microwave

  • Invention of the Microwave

    Dr. Percy Spencer created the first microwave oven by attaching a high density electromagnetic field generator to an enclosed metal box.
  • Commercially Produced

    In 1947 the first commercially produced microwave oven was about 6 feet tall, weighed about 750 lbs, and cost $2,000-$3,000.
  • Home Microwave Oven

    The first microwave that is able to fit in your house hold kitchen is priced at $1295.
  • Microwave Cooking Center

    Costing $1,000, the stove was added to the microwave oven to create the Microwave Cooking Center.
  • Counter Top Microwave

    The first relatively affordable and counter-top microwave oven was available for sale. It was a 100-volt microwave oven. Cost under $500. It was smaller and safer than previous models.
  • Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act

    Due to the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act, the standards and regulations were published by the government, so companies had to come up with new regulations.
  • Usage in American Homes

    25% of households in the U.S. owned a microwave oven.
  • More Efficient

    An average microwave oven consumes 1100 W of electricity in producing 700 W of microwave power. 64% more efficient from the previous models