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When Was the First Commercial Microwave Oven Sold?
When Was the First Commercial Microwave Oven Sold? The first commercial microwave oven, the Radarange, was sold in 1947 by Raytheon to restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens.
The Invention of Microwave Cooking
The microwave oven’s story begins with Percy Spencer, an American engineer at Raytheon. In 1945, while working on radar technology during World War II, Spencer noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket near a magnetron tube—a device generating microwaves for radar sets. This serendipitous discovery led to experiments with popcorn and eggs, revealing microwaves’ potential to heat food rapidly through dielectric heating, where water molecules vibrate to produce thermal energy.
Raytheon filed a U.S. patent for Spencer’s microwave cooking process on October 8, 1945, granted in 1950. A prototype was tested in a Boston restaurant that year, proving the concept. By 1946, Raytheon unveiled the Radarange, a behemoth appliance designed for high-volume commercial use, marking the transition from wartime tech to kitchen innovation.
Key Milestone: Spencer’s observation transformed radar byproduct into a cooking revolution, as noted in historical accounts from the Lemelson-MIT Program.
Launch of the Radarange in 1947
In 1947, Raytheon commercially launched the Radarange, the world’s first microwave oven available for purchase. Targeted at commercial buyers like restaurants, ship galleys, and large canteens, it stood nearly 6 feet tall, weighed over 750 pounds, and required water cooling to manage its 3-kilowatt power draw—triple that of modern models.
Priced at around $5,000 (equivalent to $65,000 in 2025 dollars), the Radarange was a luxury for institutions. Only a handful sold initially, but one notable installation was in the galley of the NS Savannah, the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship. Early adopters used it for tasks like thawing frozen foods and reheating meals, slashing preparation times dramatically.
- Dimensions and Specs: 5.5 feet tall, 750 lbs, 3 kW power.
- Cost Barrier: $5,000 in 1947 vs. average U.S. household income of $3,000 annually.
- Quote from Percy Spencer: “I discovered that microwaves could cook food faster than any known method,” highlighting the speed advantage that fueled its commercial debut.
This launch, detailed in IEEE Spectrum’s history of the microwave, underscored microwaves’ promise despite early engineering hurdles.
Technical Challenges and Early Improvements
The 1947 Radarange faced significant hurdles: its size demanded dedicated space, water-cooling systems risked leaks, and uneven heating required multiple magnetrons. Safety concerns loomed, as microwaves could leak if doors weren’t sealed properly, prompting early FDA regulations on radiation limits.
By 1954, Raytheon refined the model to the 1161 Radarange, halving power consumption to 1.6 kW and dropping prices to $2,000–$3,000 ($25,000–$37,000 today). This version used air cooling and a more compact design, boosting sales to commercial kitchens. Litton Industries later innovated in the 1960s with a “no-load” magnetron feed, preventing damage from empty runs—a key safety upgrade.
Statistics on Early Adoption:
| Year | Model | Power (kW) | Price (USD) | Target Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Original Radarange | 3.0 | 5,000 | Restaurants, galleys |
| 1954 | 1161 Radarange | 1.6 | 2,000–3,000 | Commercial kitchens |
| 1955 | Tappan RL-1 | 1.0 | 1,295 | Early home attempts |
These iterations, as chronicled on Whirlpool’s timeline, bridged the gap from prototype to practical tool.
Shift to Consumer Markets
While 1947 marked the commercial start, home use lagged due to cost and skepticism. In 1955, Tappan licensed Raytheon’s tech for the RL-1, the first wall-mounted microwave for households, sold on October 25 for $1,295 ($13,000 today). Only 34 units moved that year, hampered by 220-volt requirements and user confusion.
The breakthrough came in 1967 with Amana’s countertop Radarange, powered by 115 volts and priced at $495 ($4,500 today). This compact, 100-pound model featured a turntable for even heating, introduced by Sharp in the mid-1960s. Sales surged: from 40,000 units in 1970 to millions annually by the mid-1970s, as prices fell below $200.
Adoption Stats:
- 1970s Surge: Parts costs dropped 50%, enabling mass production.
- 1986: 25% of U.S. households owned one.
- 1997: Over 90% penetration, per U.S. Census data.
For deeper insights, explore the Smithsonian’s Tappan RL-1 exhibit.
Global Impact and Modern Legacy
Post-1970s, microwaves globalized rapidly. Japan led with Sharp’s R-10 in 1961, while Europe adopted via licensed models. Today, over 30 million units sell worldwide yearly, per the Microwave Technology Association, with features like inverter tech for precise cooking.
Energy efficiency improved: modern ovens use 700–1,200 watts, cooking 70% faster than conventional methods. Yet, early models’ legacy endures—over 1 billion microwaves operate globally, reducing food waste by quick reheating.
FAQ
When was the first microwave oven invented?
The core technology stemmed from 1945 experiments, with the first functional oven prototyped that year.
How much did the original commercial microwave cost?
The 1947 Radarange retailed for $5,000, equivalent to a luxury car.
Why were early microwaves so large?
They required bulky magnetrons and water-cooling systems derived from radar equipment.
Are microwave ovens safe?
Yes, non-ionizing radiation doesn’t cause cancer; FDA limits leaks to 5 mW/cm², per WebMD guidelines.
How quickly did microwaves become household staples?
From niche in 1967 to 90% U.S. ownership by 1997, driven by price drops.
Final Thoughts
The 1947 Radarange sale ignited a culinary shift, evolving from industrial giant to countertop essential. Its journey reflects innovation’s power to simplify daily life, with ongoing advancements promising even smarter cooking.
