The microwave oven like many other inventions was invented as an accidental by-product of war-time research. It was invented in 1945 by self taught Raytheon Engineer Percy Spencer, who was using an using a device called a magnetron.
Magnetrons produce microwave radiation, a type of radiowave, they were being used in a experiment for the then new radar technology. One day while working with this equipment Spencer noticed the candy bar in his pocket had melted. Assuming this was caused by the magnatron he tested other foods in front of the magnatron and noticed not only did it cook food but it did it fast. Late in 1946 Spencer had filed a patent for Raytheon describing their new oven. In 1947 the first oven hit the market. Called the “Radarange” the first units were massive, they stood over 5 feet tall and weighed over 750 pounds. These first microwaves were not very popular, not only due to their $5000 price tag (in contrast a new ford V8 cost about $2000) but also people were not very satisfied with their soggy un-browned food.
The microwave oven improved and progressed very quickly by the 1950s. The first home units hit the market by the late 1960s and soon counter top microwaves costing under $500 were available. The market was first dominated by defence manufacturers who had the most experience with magnetrons but soon an improved design led to a flood of Japanese imports of cheap microwaves with plenty of styles to choose from. Spencer worked at Raytheon until his death at the age of 76 in 1970. At the time of his death Percy Spencer held 150 patents and was also awarded a Distinguished Service Medal by the U.S. Navy, he was inducted into the inventors hall of fame in 1999.
Today there are over 200 million microwave ovens in use throughout the world not only cooking food but also used for several commercial applications as well, like drying wood for use in the construction industry.
