Every year on December 6th, we celebrate National Microwave Oven Day, commemorating one of the most impactful and essential appliances found in kitchens worldwide. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the intriguing backstory and substantial impact of the simple yet remarkable microwave oven.
We use this occasion to appreciate the effortless convenience offered by this invention in our daily food preparation and consumption. So, prepare to warm up your preferred meal and join in the celebration of the technological advancement that drastically transformed our culinary habits.
History of National Microwave Oven Day
The microwave oven’s story starts in the second phase of the World War in the 1940s. Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheon Corporation, accidentally discovered that microwave radiation can be used for cooking. A melted candy bar in his pocket led to this realization while he was doing experiments with a magnetron, a type of vacuum tube that generates microwaves.
Spurred on by his observation, Spencer decided to delve deeper into the heat-producing properties of microwaves. He put popcorn near the magnetron and observed it pop. He also put an egg that ended up heating rapidly and bursting. These experiments eventually paved the way for the invention of the first microwave oven, which was referred to as the “Radarange.”
In 1945, Raytheon formally filed a patent for Spencer’s revolutionary way of cooking using microwaves. By 1947, the first microwave ovens were commercially manufactured and sold by Raytheon. However, these early microwaves were bulky and costly, thus making them inaccessible for ordinary households.
The first compact and reasonably priced microwave oven intended for household use was finally introduced to the public market by Raytheon in 1967. Thanks to technological advancements, Amana Radarange, saw an increased demand and had become a household staple from the late 1970s and throughout the early 1980s. Microwave ovens are now indispensable in kitchens worldwide.
National Microwave Oven Day Timeline
Invention of Microwave Oven
American engineer Percy Spencer invented the first microwave oven after World War II from radar technology developed during the war.
Production of First Commercial Microwave
The first commercial microwave oven was produced by Raytheon. It was called the 'Radarange'.
Compact Microwave Oven Introduction
The first compact microwave oven which was affordable and could fit in kitchens was introduced by the Amana Corporation.
Microwave Ovens Surpass Gas Ranges
For the first time, microwave oven sales surpassed that of gas ranges.
Almost 25% of Homes Have Microwaves
By this year, nearly one-quarter of households in America owned a microwave oven.
90% of Homes Have Microwaves
According to data, more than 90% of American homes owned a microwave oven.
National Microwave Oven Day
People around the country celebrate National Microwave Oven Day every year on December 6th.
Ideas to Celebrate National Microwave Oven Day
Microwave Cooking Contest
Organize a fun cooking contest where everyone uses just a microwave to prepare meals. It will not just be fun, but also a surprising way to discover new microwave recipes.
Spread Microwave Safety Tips
Share safety tips on using a microwave oven. This can be done on social media, bulletin boards, or in person. This is not just a celebration but also an opportunity to provide knowledge on the right way to use microwaves.
Microwave Recipe Swap
Organize a microwave recipe swap with your friends and family. Everyone can bring in their favorite microwave oven recipes to share. This is a great way to discover new dishes you can cook using your microwave.
Microwave Oven Cleaning
Dedicate this day to thoroughly cleaning your microwave. Not only does this help in maintaining the lifespan of your appliance, but it also ensures you’re cooking your food in a clean environment.
7 Interesting Facts About Microwave Oven
Invented by accident
The microwave oven was invented completely by accident in the 1940s by an engineer named Percy Spencer. While working on radar technology, Spencer noticed a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted from the microwaves, paving the way for the microwave oven.
First microwave was enormous!
The very first microwave oven weighed about 750 pounds and stood about 5 feet 6 inches tall. Imagine having to fit that in your kitchen!
Microwaves don’t cook food from the inside out
Contrary to popular belief, microwaves don't cook food from the inside out. They actually heat up the outer layers, while the inside gets cooked by the heat transferring inwards.
Originally named 'Radarange'
When the first 'Radarange' hit the market in 1947, it costed up to $5000 - a price tag that is comparable to around $60,000 today when adjusted for inflation!
Popcorn and Microwave
Popcorn was one of the first foods that were tested in a microwave and microwave popcorn is one of the single largest uses of microwave ovens today.
Use less energy than conventional ovens
Microwaves are more energy efficient than traditional ovens because they concentrate heat directly on the food. Traditional ovens can use up to 3 times more energy.
Microwave Cooking does not kill nutrients
Any form of cooking will destroy some nutrients in food, but the key variables are how much water is used in the cooking and how long the food is cooked - making microwave better for preserving nutrients than most cooking methods.
National Microwave Oven Day FAQs
Next National Microwave Oven Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 6th | Wednesday |
| 2024 | December 6th | Friday |
| 2025 | December 6th | Saturday |
| 2026 | December 6th | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 6th | Monday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 6th | |
National Microwave Oven Day Word Search
- Microwave
- Oven
- Cooking
- Heating
- Defrost
- Reheating