The Microwave

  • Microwave Energy can Cook?

    Microwave Energy can Cook?
    Dr. Percy Spencer was working on magnetrons (vacuum tubes) and discovers a melted chocolate bar in his pocket. He realizes that microwave energy can heat food up.
  • 1st Commercial Microwave

    1st 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

    Early 1950s: First Microwave Ovens for Homes
    The first microwaves for home use cost $1,259.
  • The first microwave ovens for home consumer use

    The first microwave ovens for home consumer use were introduced by Tappan in 1955.
  • First Countertop Microwave

    First Countertop Microwave
  • Tests by Walter Reed Hospital

    Tests by Walter Reed Hospital
    In 1968, tests by Walter Reed Hospital confirmed many fears that microwaves did, in fact, leak out of the ovens, but Federal standards set in 1971 resolved the problem.
  • Federal Standards Put in Place

    Federal Standards Put in Place
  • Sales of Microwave Ovens Exceeded that of Gas Ranges

    Sales of Microwave Ovens Exceeded that of Gas Ranges
    Technological advances and further developments led to a microwave oven that was polished and priced for the consumer kitchen.
  • 90% of homes had a microwave

    90% of homes had a microwave
    1994, ninety per cent of all US homes had such an appliance.
  • Almost All Homes Have Microwaves

    Almost All Homes Have Microwaves
    95% of homes have microwaves.