Microwave ovens for cooking food were first introduced for commercial use in the 1940s and 1950s. The development of microwave technology can be attributed to Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheon Corporation, who accidentally discovered the heating effect of microwaves in 1945.
While working on a radar-related project, Spencer noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted after being exposed to microwave radiation emitted by a magnetron. This observation led to the development of the first microwave oven.
In 1947, Raytheon introduced the first commercially available microwave oven called the "Radarange." These early microwave ovens were large and expensive, primarily used in commercial settings like restaurants and railway dining cars.
It wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that microwave ovens started to become more affordable and compact enough for residential use. As the technology advanced and manufacturing costs decreased, microwave ovens became increasingly popular and accessible to households around the world.
Since then, microwave ovens have become a common kitchen appliance, providing a quick and convenient way to heat and cook food.