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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,
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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.
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The first microwaves for home-use cost $1,295 and were in a cabinet the size of a refrigerator.
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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.
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Standards and regulations set by the federal government fixed previous problems with microwaves leaking out of microwave ovens.
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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.
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By 1976, more households had microwaves than dishwashers. 60%, or about 52 million households, had microwave ovens this year.
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Today, more than 95% of households have a microwave.
