Microwave ovenIn 1955, the first domestic microwave oven was sold by Tappan. In 1947, Raytheon demonstrated the "Radarange," the world's first microwave oven. Ratheon's commercial, refrigerator-sized microwave ovens cost between $2,000 and $3,000. In 1952, Raytheon entered into a licensing agreement with Tappan Stove Company which had a consumer distribution and marketing infrastructure. In 1955, Tappan introduced the first domestic microwave oven, a 220-volt more compact wall-unit the size of a conventional oven, but less powerful microwave generating system. It had two cooking speeds (500 or 800 watts), stainless steel exterior, glass shelf, top browning element and a recipe card drawer. However, at $1,300 sales were slow.«[Image: Oven shown on cover of Tappan "Commercial Electronic" Replacement Parts Catalog revised issue of 15 May 1964.] |
