The first microwave oven was introduced in 1947. It was called the "Radarange" and was developed by the American engineer Percy Spencer, who worked for the Raytheon Corporation. The invention of the microwave oven was a result of Spencer's work on radar technology during World War II.
The story goes that while working on a radar-related project in 1945, Percy Spencer noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted after being exposed to microwave radiation emitted by the magnetron, a component used in radar systems. Intrigued by this accidental discovery, he decided to experiment further with food and microwaves.
Spencer later constructed a metal box with an opening where microwave radiation could be contained. When he placed food near the magnetron's energy source, it cooked quickly and efficiently. This led to the development of the first microwave oven, the Radarange, which was a large and expensive appliance mainly used in commercial settings, such as restaurants and ships.
Over the years, microwave ovens became more compact, affordable, and popular for home use. By the 1970s, they had become common household appliances, transforming the way people cooked and reheated food. The technology continued to evolve, and today, microwave ovens are an integral part of modern kitchens worldwide.