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Microwaves
Percy Spencer is generally credited with inventing the modern microwave oven after World War II from radar technology developed during the war. Named the "Radarange", it was first sold in 1946. -
First Countertop Microwave Oven
1 Jan 1967 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. -
Microwave oven
1 Jan 1947 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. -
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. -
Federal Standards Put in Place
Standards and regulations set by the federal government fixed previous problems with microwaves leaking out of microwave ovens. -
Here we are today
Today, more than 95% of households have a microwave.
