The first microwave oven invented for home use, called the "Radarange," was introduced by Raytheon in 1947. This early microwave oven was much larger and more expensive than the compact microwave ovens we are familiar with today.
The first models of the Radarange were quite expensive, with a price range of around $2,000 to $3,000 in the late 1940s and early 1950s. To put that into perspective, adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to roughly $22,000 to $33,000 in today's currency.
Due to its high cost and large size, the early microwave ovens were primarily used in commercial settings, such as restaurants and institutions. It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that more compact and affordable microwave ovens were introduced, making them accessible for home use. As technology advanced and production costs decreased, microwave ovens became increasingly popular and affordable for the general public, leading to the widespread use we see today.