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When Were Microwave Ovens Commercially Available?
When Were Microwave Ovens Commercially Available? Microwave ovens became commercially available in 1947 with Raytheon’s Radarange, initially for restaurants and institutions at around $5,000. The first home model appeared in 1955 from Tappan ($1,295), while affordable countertop versions launched in 1967 by Amana ($495).
Invention and Early Commercial Models
Percy Spencer discovered microwave cooking in 1945 while working at Raytheon. The company patented the process and introduced the Radarange in 1947.
These early units stood nearly 6 feet tall, weighed 750 pounds, required water cooling, and cost $5,000 (about $70,000 today). They targeted commercial kitchens like restaurants and ships.
By 1954, improved models used 1.6 kW and sold for $2,000-$3,000.
Detailed history available in IEEE Spectrum’s brief history of the microwave oven.
First Home Microwave Ovens
Raytheon licensed technology to Tappan in 1952. Tappan released the RL-1 wall-mounted home model in 1955, priced at $1,295 (about $15,000 today).
Sales remained limited due to size, cost, and unfamiliarity with microwave cooking.
Explore the Tappan RL-1 at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Countertop Era and Mass Adoption
Raytheon acquired Amana in 1965. Amana introduced the first popular countertop Radarange in 1967 at $495, running on standard 115-volt outlets.
| Year | Milestone | Price (approx.) | Target Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Radarange launch | $5,000 | Commercial |
| 1955 | Tappan home model | $1,295 | Residential (limited) |
| 1967 | Amana countertop | $495 | Residential |
| 1970 | U.S. sales | ~40,000 units | Growing home use |
| 1975 | U.S. sales | 1 million units | Mass adoption |
Sales exploded in the 1970s as prices dropped and Japanese manufacturers improved magnetrons.
By 1970, ~10% of U.S. households owned one; by 1986, 25%; by 1997, over 90%.
More on adoption in Wikipedia’s microwave oven entry.
Modern Comparison
Today’s microwaves are compact, efficient, and ubiquitous, contrasting sharply with early giants.
The 4 Best Microwaves of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter
FAQ
When was the first commercial microwave sold? 1947—Raytheon’s Radarange for restaurants.
When did home microwaves become available? 1955—Tappan’s wall unit, though impractical.
When did countertop microwaves launch? 1967—Amana’s affordable model sparked popularity.
Why did adoption take decades? High costs, large size, and safety concerns delayed widespread use until the 1970s.
Who invented the microwave oven? Percy Spencer at Raytheon, via accidental discovery in 1945.
Final Thoughts
Microwave ovens transitioned from 1947 commercial behemoths to essential household appliances by the late 1970s, revolutionizing cooking speed and convenience. Technological advances and falling prices drove rapid adoption, making them standard in over 90% of homes today. This evolution highlights how wartime innovations can transform daily life.
