Microwave Ovens: Home Use

In the 1950s Raytheon dominated the microwave oven field. It was the principal manufacturer of magnetrons, but it licensed other companies, such as Hotpoint, Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Whirlpool, and Tappan, to manufacture ovens. In 1952 Tappan Company engineers who were experts in cooking developed an experimental commercial microwave oven intended for home use, but it proved impractical. Tappan continued to experiment and in October 1955 introduced the first domestic microwave oven. Designed to fit on top of a conventional oven, the microwave oven retailed for $1,295. It was marketed as an “electric range” with a cool oven that had the unique ability to reheat food. The Hotpoint division of General Electric unveiled its electronic oven in 1956. Both the Tappan and the Hotpoint ovens generated enthusiasm, but sales were dismal mainly because of the high price. In addition, specially packaged microwavable foods did not yet exist.