Cook Today . . . Tomorrow's Way
Microwave ovens were introduced in 1947, using radar technology developed during World War II. Noting that microwave generators created heat, a Raytheon engineer adapted the technology for cooking food; his first experiment was to pop kernels of corn. Manufacturers expected that consumers would use the new ovens to cook meals from scratch in a fraction of the time required for conventional cooking. By 2000, 90 percent of U.S. households had a microwave oven.
Microwave oven, 1955
Developed by Tappan in conjunction with Raytheon, the RL-1 was the first microwave oven designed for home use. A 1955 model failed to sell well due to its steep price of $1,295, as well as customer confusion about how to use it. Gift of Frigidaire Company.
Microwave oven, 1976
Oven manufactured in Japan by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. for the JCPenney department store chain. Gift of Jeff and Jan Thompson.
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