When did microwaves become common in homes?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on January 13, 2026
The countertop microwave oven was introduced in 1967 by the Amana Corporation. After microwave ovens became affordable for residential use in the late 1970s, their use spread into commercial and residential kitchens around the world.
When was the first microwave oven sold?
Raytheon, which had acquired a company called Amana, introduced the first popular home model in 1967, the countertop Radarange. It cost $495 (about $3,200 today). Consumer interest in microwave ovens began to grow. About 40,000 units were sold in the United States in 1970.
How much did a microwave cost in 1975?
Likewise, how much did a microwave cost in 1975? Also available were microwave ovens, ranging in price from $189.95 to $439.95. Of course, there’s been a good deal of dollar inflation since 1975. Judged by changes in the consumer-price index, what $100 bought in 1975 takes about $354 to buy today.
Were there microwaves in the 80s?
But, I remember getting our first microwave oven in the early ’80s. It may be surprising, but the microwave oven was not an ’80s invention. The first home microwave was launched in 1952 in the US. But, it did not catch on due to its hefty price tag, and due to the fact that it probably freaked people out.
How much did a microwave cost in 1970?
It cost about $3,200 today. Consumer interest in microwave ovens grew. In the United States, about 40,000 units were sold in 1970.
Is it bad to stand in front of the microwave?
Yes, you can stand a safe distance in front of the microwave. Microwave ovens are designed to keep in radiation. However, while there should be almost no radiation escaping from the chamber, it’s best not to press your nose up against the door the entire time your food is heating up.
How much did microwaves cost in the 70s?
How much did a microwave cost in 1980?
In 1980, according to Litton, the mean retail price of a microwave oven was $425. Today, while the range of prices is about $149 to $549, the mean has dropped to about $280.
How much was a TV in 1975?
Buying power of $300 since 1950
| Year | USD Value | Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | $190.89 | 2.70% |
| 1976 | $193.33 | 1.28% |
| 1977 | $191.05 | -1.18% |
| 1978 | $190.90 | -0.08% |
What did Percy Spencer died of?
September 8, 1970
Percy Spencer/Date of death
What was the year the microwave was invented?
But when was the microwave invented? The exact year of its official invention was in 1946 but the history can be traced back to a year before. In 1945, he noticed that the candy bar inside his pocket was beginning to melt.
How tall was the first commercial microwave oven?
The first commercial microwave oven was tested in a Boston restaurant in 1947. Later that year, Raytheon introduced the Radarange 1161. It stood 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) tall, weighed 750 lbs.
Who was the Raytheon engineer who invented the microwave?
In the ’20’s, Spencer became one of Raytheon’s most valued and well-known engineers. During World War II, while Raytheon was working on improving radar technology for Allied forces, Spencer was the company’s go-to problem solver.
How many people in the US have a microwave oven?
A microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that is in nearly every U.S. home — 90 percent of households have one, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
