How the Microwave Was Invented by Accident
The invention of the microwave is one of the best examples of the adage “necessity is the mother of invention.” Without intending to, the inventor Percy Spencer made a major breakthrough in cooking through his clever use of radar technology that was occurring in the 1940s. Through his incident, this technology has become an integral part of virtually all modern kitchens.
What is a Microwave?
A microwave is an electrical appliance used to heat, cook, or dry food by using electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range. These waves cause the food particles to move, creating heat friction and thus heating the food up.
Background on Percy Spencer
Percy Spencer was an American self-taught engineer who had a few inventions under his belt, though he truly made his mark in 1946 with the invention of the microwave oven. He was born on July 19, 1894 and attended the local grammar school with eight siblings. His life wasn’t easy as his parents abandoned him at the age of seven. With a natural inclination for science, he acquired much of his engineering knowledge through his work. He had a controlled but curious nature, which ultimately saved him from discouragement during his early, failed attempts at invention.
Describing the Accidental Invention
Spencer was working as a research engineer for Raytheon at the time of the accidental invention. He was researching the use of microwave radiation and had been experimenting on a large magnetron, a device that is capable of generating the small, high-energy wavelengths that make microwave-oven cooking possible. While he was standing in front of the device, he noticed a strange feeling. It dawned upon him that the magnetron was causing the chocolate bar in his pocket to melt. He further conducted experimental testing and found that food placed near the magnetron also heated up. With further experimentation, he soon realized that microwave energy could be used to cook food instantly and with high energy efficiency.
The First Microwave Ovens
The first microwave oven was much larger than the ones we see today, weighing in at 750 pounds, measuring 5’6” height and 2’8” wide. It was marketed by Raytheon as the “Radarange” and was eventually sold for commercial use in restaurants and other food service establishments for use in heating more than just food items.
Changes to the Microwave Over the Years
Since this development, the microwave has had a few technological breakthroughs and changes to its design. In 1961, Amana and Raytheon introduced the first countertop microwaves, which revolutionized and democratized the product and made it a regular feature in almost every kitchen in America. Other significant changes include:
• Digital Settings – With the introduction of digital-touchpanels, microwaves moved away from the mechanical system dials to digital ones.
• Ceramics – The interior of the microwave transitioned from steel to ceramic to give the microwaves better heat resistance and cleaning capabilities.
• Inverters and Multiple Heating – Inverter technology has revolutionized the way microwaves work and it offered users more control and the ability to heat food more evenly. This enabled users to not only cook food, but also thaw, defrost, and hold food at the desired temperature.
• Smart Microwaves – Smart microwaves with virtual assistants now allow us to not only control the way we cook our food but also order food from the internet and search for recipes.
The Boon of Adopting Microwave Technology
Adopting the microwave a boon for a number of reasons. With it, food can be cooked more quickly and evenly. It was a valuable resource for housewives who did not have enough time to cook a fancy meal. Since Spencer’s invention, microwaves have become a more convenient appliance for modern cooks who have less time in their day-to-day lives.
The development of the microwave was truly an accidental occurrence that has become one of the most important appliances in modern kitchens. It still continues to develop and become more convenient as technology progresses. Percy Spencer was a visionary and an accidental genius who has certainly left his mark by transforming the way we cook food.
