As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Was the First Commercial Microwave Oven Called?
What Was the First Commercial Microwave Oven Called? The first commercial microwave oven was called the Radarange, introduced by Raytheon in 1947. It targeted restaurants and institutions, standing nearly 6 feet tall, weighing 750 pounds, and priced at around $5,000 (equivalent to over $70,000 today).
Discovery and Invention
Percy Spencer, a Raytheon engineer, accidentally discovered microwave cooking in 1945 when a candy bar melted near a magnetron tube used in radar technology.
He tested popcorn and an egg (which exploded), confirming microwaves heated food rapidly. Raytheon filed a patent on October 8, 1945, leading to the Radarange’s development.
Quotation: “The heating effect of a high-power microwave beam was discovered accidentally by Percy Spencer,” as noted in historical accounts.
Radarange Specifications
Early models featured impressive but impractical specs for homes:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Nearly 1.8 meters (6 feet) |
| Weight | 340 kg (750 pounds) |
| Power Consumption | 3 kW (three times modern ovens) |
| Cooling | Water-cooled |
| Price | $2,000–$5,000 |
A 1954 model reduced power to 1.6 kW while maintaining high cost.
These units installed in restaurants, ships like the NS Savannah, and airplanes for quick reheating.
Evolution to Home Use
The Radarange remained commercial-focused initially. In 1955, Tappan introduced the first domestic model (RL-1), a wall-mounted unit priced at $1,295, using Raytheon-licensed technology.
Sales stayed low due to size and price. Adoption surged in 1967 with Amana’s countertop Radarange at $495.
By 1997, 90% of U.S. households owned a microwave, per industry data.
For more on the invention, see IEEE Spectrum’s history of the microwave oven.
Impact and Adoption Statistics
Microwave ovens revolutionized food preparation:
- 1947: Limited to commercial kitchens.
- 1967: First affordable home model.
- 1980s: Prices dropped rapidly; widespread residential use.
- Today: Over 90% penetration in many countries.
Early fears of radiation delayed acceptance, but FDA standards from 1971 ensured safety.
FAQ
Was the Radarange the first microwave oven ever? Yes, the first commercially available one in 1947; prototypes tested earlier.
Who invented the microwave oven? Percy Spencer, via accidental discovery at Raytheon.
Why was it called Radarange? Derived from “radar” (magnetron origin) + “range” (cooking appliance); won an employee contest.
When did microwaves become common in homes? Late 1970s–1980s, after prices fell below $500.
Was the first home microwave also called Radarange? No; Tappan’s 1955 model was RL-1, though later Amana models reused the name.
Explore the Wikipedia microwave oven page for detailed timeline.
Final Thoughts
The Radarange marked a pivotal shift from wartime radar tech to everyday kitchen convenience. From massive commercial beasts to compact countertops, microwave ovens now heat billions of meals annually, showcasing innovation’s transformative power.
