Скачать или смотреть The Surprising Story Behind the First Microwave

The History of the First Microwave Oven

The microwave oven, a kitchen essential today, was actually invented by accident during World War II. It all started with Percy Spencer, an American engineer working on radar technology at Raytheon in 1945.


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1. The Accidental Discovery (1945)

Percy Spencer was working with a magnetron, a device that produces microwaves for radar systems. One day, while standing near an active magnetron, he noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket melted unexpectedly.

Curious, he experimented by placing popcorn kernels near the magnetron, and they popped! He then tried an egg, which exploded due to rapid heating. This led him to realize that microwaves could heat food quickly.


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2. The First Microwave Oven (1947)

Raytheon saw the potential and developed the first commercial microwave oven, called the Radarange. However, it was very different from today’s microwaves:

Size: Over 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall

Weight: Around 750 pounds (340 kg)

Power Consumption: 3,000 watts (more than double today’s microwave)

Cost: Around $5,000 (equivalent to over $60,000 today!)


Because of its size and price, the first microwaves were only used in restaurants, military facilities, and large companies.


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3. Microwaves Become Household Appliances (1967)

In 1967, Raytheon's Amana division released the first countertop microwave oven for home use.

It was smaller, more affordable, and safer, leading to a rise in popularity.

By the 1970s and 1980s, microwaves became a staple in households worldwide.



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4. The Impact of the Microwave Oven

It revolutionized cooking, making food preparation faster and easier.

Led to the rise of microwave meals and frozen food industries.

Today, over 90% of American households own a microwave.



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5. Percy Spencer’s Recognition

Despite his discovery, Percy Spencer never patented the microwave for himself.

Raytheon rewarded him with a $2 bonus, as per company policy at the time.

He later became one of the most honored inventors in military and industrial technology.



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Conclusion

What started as an accidental discovery became one of the most important kitchen innovations of the 20th century. Thanks to Percy Spencer, the microwave oven changed the way we cook forever!






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