When Did the First Microwave Come Out? History & Facts

Introduction

When did the first microwave come out? The answer depends on whether you mean the patent, the first commercial unit, or the first countertop model sold for home kitchens. Most people are surprised to learn that microwave cooking began in the 1940s, not the 1970s, and that the first microwave oven was born out of radar research during World War II. This article traces the complete history of the microwave oven, from Percy Spencer’s accidental discovery to the massive commercial Radarange and finally to the affordable countertop appliances found in millions of homes today.

You will learn exactly when the first microwave came out, how much it cost, who invented it, and how early models compare to modern microwaves. We also include a step-by-step guide for identifying vintage microwaves, practical tips for safe use, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, you will have a clear timeline of microwave history and a solid understanding of how this kitchen staple evolved from a military curiosity into an everyday household necessity.

• Introduction
• When Did the First Microwave Come Out? The Short Answer
• The Accidental Discovery That Started It All
• The First Commercial Microwave Oven
• The First Home Microwave Oven
• How Early Microwaves Worked
• Timeline of Microwave Oven History
• Early Microwaves vs. Modern Microwaves
• Step-by-Step: How to Identify a Vintage Microwave
• Tips and Best Practices for Microwave Use
• Common Mistakes and Misconceptions About Microwaves
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

When Did the First Microwave Come Out? The Short Answer

If you are looking for a single date, the first commercial microwave oven came out in 1947. Raytheon introduced the Radarange that year, a large, water-cooled unit designed for restaurants, trains, and ships. However, the underlying technology was patented in 1945 by Percy Spencer, a Raytheon engineer who discovered that radar microwaves could cook food. Because of this, some sources cite 1945 as the invention year, while others point to 1947 as the year the first microwave actually came out as a product.

The first microwave built for home use did not arrive until 1955, when the Tappan Stove Company released a wall oven model. It was expensive and required 220-volt wiring, so it sold poorly. The microwave that truly brought the technology into ordinary kitchens was the 1967 Amana Radarange, a countertop model that ran on standard household current and cost far less than earlier units.

In short: the first microwave came out in 1947 as a commercial appliance, was patented in 1945, and became a practical home appliance in the late 1960s. Understanding these different dates helps explain why the answer to when did the first microwave come out often varies depending on who is answering.

The Accidental Discovery That Started It All

The story of the microwave oven begins not in a kitchen, but in a radar laboratory. In 1945, Percy Spencer was working for Raytheon on magnetrons, the vacuum tubes that generate microwaves for radar systems. One day, while standing near an active radar set, he noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Curious, he tested other foods. Popcorn kernels popped when exposed to the microwaves, and an egg exploded when heated too quickly inside a paper cup.

Spencer was not a formally trained engineer. He had taught himself radio and electrical engineering while working in mills and on ships, and his practical mindset made him ideally suited to recognize the significance of what he had seen. He and Raytheon began experimenting with a metal box that could contain microwaves and cook food efficiently. Spencer filed a patent for the microwave cooking process later that year. This accidental discovery laid the foundation for everything that followed, including the answer to when did the first microwave come out for commercial and home use.

The First Commercial Microwave Oven

Raytheon introduced the first commercial microwave oven, the Radarange, in 1947. It was nothing like the compact appliances on today’s countertops. The original Radarange stood about six feet tall, weighed roughly 750 pounds, and required water cooling for its magnetron. It also consumed about three kilowatts of power, far more than a modern home microwave, and needed a dedicated plumbing connection to keep the magnetron from overheating.

Because of its size, cost, and installation requirements, the 1947 Radarange was sold to restaurants, hotel kitchens, railroad dining cars, and ocean liners. A single unit could cost several thousand dollars at a time when the average American earned far less per year. It was a tool for high-volume food service, not a household item. Restaurants used it to reheat meals quickly, and railroads valued it for serving hot food on long-distance trains where conventional ovens were impractical.

The First Home Microwave Oven

The path from commercial kitchens to home kitchens took two decades. In 1955, the Tappan Stove Company introduced the first microwave oven designed for home use. It was a built-in wall unit priced around $1,300, which placed it out of reach for most families. It also required professional installation and 220-volt electrical service, limiting its appeal to wealthy homeowners and newly built luxury kitchens.

The breakthrough arrived in 1967, when Amana, a division of Raytheon, released the first countertop Radarange for home use. It plugged into a standard 115-volt outlet, cost about $495, and was small enough to sit on a kitchen counter. Sales grew steadily through the 1970s as prices dropped and more people learned how microwave cooking worked. By the end of the decade, microwaves were becoming a common sight in American households, forever changing how people reheated leftovers, defrosted frozen foods, and prepared quick meals.

How Early Microwaves Worked

Early microwaves relied on the same basic principle used today. A device called a magnetron generated high-frequency radio waves, commonly known as microwaves. These waves passed through the cooking chamber and penetrated food to a depth of about one to one and a half inches. When the waves struck water, fat, and sugar molecules, they caused those molecules to rotate rapidly, creating heat through friction. (See Also:You Microwave Frozen Chicken Strips)

This process is called dielectric heating. Because the energy entered the food directly rather than heating the air around it, microwave ovens could cook certain foods much faster than conventional ovens. Early commercial models were extremely powerful, which made them ideal for restaurants but sometimes too intense for delicate home cooking without careful adjustments. The magnetron produced waves that bounced around the metal interior, creating hot and cold spots. That is why early manuals often advised stirring or rearranging food during cooking, a practice that remains relevant even with modern turntables.

Timeline of Microwave Oven History

• 1945: Percy Spencer discovers that radar microwaves can cook food and files a patent for the microwave cooking process.
• 1947: Raytheon releases the Radarange, the first commercial microwave oven, aimed at restaurants and institutions.
• 1955: Tappan introduces the first home microwave oven, a built-in wall unit priced for affluent buyers.
• 1967: Amana releases the first countertop home microwave, the Radarange, bringing microwave cooking to mainstream kitchens.
• 1970s: Microwave sales rise sharply as prices fall, countertop models become common, and cookbooks dedicated to microwave recipes appear.
• 1980s: Digital control panels, programmable timers, and glass turntables become standard features on most new models.
• 1990s: Sensor cooking, defrost presets, and child safety locks improve convenience and safety.
• 2000s–present: Inverter technology, smart connectivity, convection combinations, and compact designs refine the modern microwave.

Early Microwaves vs. Modern Microwaves

Comparing early microwave ovens to modern models shows how far the technology has come. The table below highlights key differences between the 1947 commercial Radarange, the 1967 countertop home model, and a typical microwave sold today.

As the table shows, early microwaves were industrial machines, while modern units are affordable, safe, and packed with convenience features. Modern microwaves also use energy more efficiently and distribute heat more evenly, thanks to inverter technology and improved cavity designs that reduce the hot and cold spots common in early units.

Step-by-Step: How to Identify a Vintage Microwave

If you find an old microwave at a thrift store, estate sale, or in a relative’s basement, you can use these steps to determine whether it is an early model and roughly when it was made.

1. Check the brand and model name. Look for names such as Radarange, Tappan, Amana, or early Raytheon branding. These are strong indicators of a vintage microwave, especially if the nameplate is metal or embossed rather than a printed sticker.
2. Look for manufacturing dates. Check the back panel, inside the door frame, or along the side for a serial number or date code. Some manufacturers stamped the year and month directly onto the appliance, while others encoded the date within the serial number.
3. Examine the size and shape. A unit that is very tall, heavy, or built into a wall is likely a commercial or early home model from the 1940s or 1950s. Countertop designs became common only after 1967, so a compact boxy shape usually points to a later vintage model.
4. Inspect the control panel. Early microwaves usually had mechanical dials or simple timers. Digital touchpads and display screens did not become widespread until the 1980s, so a panel with only knobs suggests an older unit.
5. Check the door and window. Vintage models often had smaller viewing windows and heavier door frames. Modern safety interlocks were less sophisticated in early units, so a door that feels unusually thick or lacks multiple latches may date from the 1960s or 1970s.
6. Research the model online. Once you have the brand, model number, and any visible date, search appliance history databases or collector forums to confirm the production year. Collector communities often maintain detailed records of Radarange and Tappan models.

These steps can help you distinguish a genuine vintage microwave from a later retro-styled model, and they can also tell you whether an old unit is likely to be safe for continued use.

Tips and Best Practices for Microwave Use

Whether you use a modern microwave or restore a vintage unit, these best practices will help you cook safely and get better results.

• Use microwave-safe containers. Glass, ceramic, and certain plastics labeled for microwave use are generally safe. Avoid containers that crack, melt, or release odors when heated, as they may not be designed for microwave energy.
• Cover food while cooking. A microwave-safe lid or paper towel traps steam, helps food heat evenly, and prevents splatters from coating the interior walls.
• Stir and rotate food. Microwaves can heat unevenly, so stirring halfway through cooking improves consistency and reduces the risk of cold spots.
• Never run the microwave empty. Operating it without food or liquid can damage the magnetron because the energy has nowhere to go and reflects back into the tube.
• Avoid sealed containers. Foods in tightly sealed jars or eggs in shells can explode due to pressure buildup. Always pierce yolks or loosen lids before heating.
• Clean spills promptly. Food residue can absorb energy and create hot spots or odors over time, which may affect the flavor of future meals.
• Be cautious with liquids. Water can heat past boiling without bubbling, then erupt suddenly when disturbed. Place a wooden spoon or microwave-safe object in the cup to reduce this risk.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions About Microwaves

Many people hold incorrect beliefs about how microwaves work. Understanding the truth helps you use the appliance more safely.

Myth: Microwaves cook food from the inside out. This is false. Microwaves penetrate only the outer layer of food, usually about an inch deep. The interior cooks through conduction, just as it does in a conventional oven, which is why thick items often need standing time after heating.

Myth: Microwaves make food radioactive. This is also false. Microwaves are non-ionizing radiation, meaning they do not make food or the oven itself radioactive. Once the oven is turned off, no radiation remains in the food or the cavity.

Myth: All metal causes dangerous sparks. While thin metal like foil can arc, some microwave cookware includes metal racks designed for safe use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming all metal is forbidden.

Mistake: Using the wrong plastic. Containers not meant for microwave use can melt or leach chemicals into food. Look for a microwave-safe symbol, and when in doubt, transfer food to glass or ceramic. (See Also:Glad Containers Safe Microwave)

Mistake: Assuming all foods heat evenly. Dense items and frozen foods often have cold spots. Letting food stand for a minute or two after cooking allows heat to distribute through conduction, improving both safety and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the first microwave come out?

The first commercial microwave oven came out in 1947, when Raytheon introduced the Radarange. The technology was patented in 1945 by Percy Spencer. The first home microwave appeared in 1955, but the first popular countertop model for home kitchens arrived in 1967.

Who invented the first microwave oven?

Percy Spencer, a self-taught engineer working for Raytheon, is credited with inventing the microwave oven. His 1945 discovery that radar microwaves could melt chocolate and pop corn led directly to the first patent and the first commercial oven.

What was the first microwave oven called?

The first commercial microwave oven was called the Radarange. Raytheon continued using the Radarange name for many years, including on the 1967 countertop model that brought microwave cooking into American homes.

How much did the first microwave cost?

The 1947 commercial Radarange cost several thousand dollars, making it practical only for restaurants and institutions. The 1955 Tappan home model was priced around $1,300, while the 1967 Amana countertop Radarange sold for about $495.

Are old microwaves safe to use today?

Vintage microwaves can be safe if they are in good condition, but you should inspect the door seal, hinges, and interior for damage. If the door does not close tightly or the unit shows signs of electrical wear, it should be repaired by a professional or replaced.

Did microwaves become popular immediately?

No. The first commercial models were too large and expensive for homes, and early home units sold slowly because of high prices and installation requirements. Microwaves did not become common household appliances until the 1970s and 1980s, after countertop designs became affordable. (See Also:You Microwave Dish Towel)

Do microwaves leak harmful radiation?

Modern microwaves are designed with shielding and door interlocks that prevent radiation from escaping during normal operation. If the door is damaged or does not seal properly, the oven should not be used until it is repaired or replaced.

Conclusion

So, when did the first microwave come out? The answer depends on the context: the patent was filed in 1945, the first commercial oven appeared in 1947, and the first practical home countertop model arrived in 1967. Percy Spencer’s accidental discovery with a melted chocolate bar grew into a technology that now sits in kitchens around the world.

Understanding this history helps you appreciate how much microwave ovens have changed. Early units were massive, expensive, and water-cooled machines for restaurants. Today’s microwaves are compact, affordable, and loaded with features that make everyday cooking faster and easier.

Whether you are researching microwave history, shopping for a vintage model, or simply using your current oven, the key takeaway is that microwave cooking is safe, efficient, and rooted in mid-century innovation. The next time you heat a cup of coffee or reheat leftovers, you are using a device that began with a radar experiment in the 1940s.