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World's Fair in Chicago
Westinghouse created a 10-kilowatt device that could steak and potatoes between two plates. However, use of such technology had yet to be furthered. -
World War II
The end of using microwaves for short-range military radar -
1946 Patent
Percy Spencer accidentally discovered that microwaves could cook food quickly. Others knew about the cooking abilities, but he was curious to learn more. He acquired a patent for microwaves cooking food. -
1955 License and First Microwave Oven for Consumers
The license for the microwave oven was acquired in 1955 by Raytheon followed by the microwave for consumers being sold by Tappan. Microwaves beforehand were made for restaurants and were big and bulky. -
1967 More Affordable Microwave
Amana Refrigeration, owned by Raytheon, sold a cheaper microwave that still cost a whopping $495. -
1973 Concerns about Microwaves
Microwaves deemed not completely safe because there wasn't enough data to determine whether the radiation emissions were safe or not. -
1987 Popularity of the Microwave
Almost twice as many microwaves than refrigerators were being shipped to the US. -
1993 Widespread Use
More than 80% of homes in America had a microwave while more than 75% of workplaces had them. -
After 2004 Decline of the Microwave
Sales of microwaves have fallen 40% since their peak in 2004. This is many due to the idea "why fix what's not broken?" Because so many people have microwaves, they are not in the market to buy another. -
2006 Still One of the Most Important Products
The Pew Research Study found that many Americans considered the microwave to be one of the most important gadgets/ items in their life just behind cars, washing machines, dryers, and air conditioning.
