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Raytheon files a patent for a microwave cooking oven
After Dr. Percy Spencer discovered that a candy bar melted in his pocket while he was working near a radar-related research project, he began experimentations with cooking food using radar waves. The company at which he worked, Raytheon helped him develop the idea until in late 1946 they filed a patent for the microwave cooking oven. -
Commercial Microwave oven
1161 Radarange becomes the first commercial microwave oven produced, It stood 5 1/2 feet tall, weighed over 750 pounds, and cost $5000. -
Tappan home model
Tappan introduces the first home model which cost $1295 -
First Countertop model
Amana (a division of Raytheon) produces the first domestic (countertop) model microwave oven. IThe Amana Radarange cost $500, was smaller, and safer to use. -
Popularity increases
Microwave ovens outsell gas ranges for the first time in history. -
Popularity continues to increase
Microwave ovens are more popular that dishwashers, the microwave oven has now reached 60% of American homes
