Microwaves for home use have been available since the mid-20th century. The first commercially available microwave oven designed for home use was introduced in 1955. It was called the "Radarange" and was produced by the Raytheon Corporation.
However, early microwave ovens were large, expensive, and not widely adopted in households initially. They were primarily used in commercial settings such as restaurants and institutions due to their high cost and specialized nature.
It wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s that microwave ovens started to become more affordable and smaller in size, making them more accessible to the average household. As the technology advanced, manufacturers were able to develop more compact and efficient microwave ovens that could fit on kitchen countertops.
Since then, microwave ovens have become a common and indispensable appliance in many homes worldwide, providing a convenient and efficient method of heating and cooking food. They have undergone further improvements in terms of features, power, and design over the years, but the basic concept and functionality have remained relatively consistent since their introduction in the 1950s.