National Microwave Oven Day celebrates the revolutionary kitchen appliance that transformed how we cook and reheat food. This special day honors the invention that made cooking faster, more convenient, and energy-efficient.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 6th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Technology Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #MicrowaveOvenDay
- When was it founded?: 2005
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History of National Microwave Oven Day
The day commemorates Percy Spencer’s accidental discovery in 1945 when a chocolate bar melted in his pocket while working with radar equipment at Raytheon. This serendipitous event led to the development of the first microwave oven, revolutionizing kitchen technology forever.
Timeline
- 1945: Percy Spencer discovers microwave cooking potential
- 1947: First commercial microwave “Radarange” introduced
- 1967: First countertop microwave released
- 1975: One million microwaves in use in the US
- 1997: 90% of US households own a microwave
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dec 6 | Friday |
| 2025 | Dec 6 | Saturday |
| 2026 | Dec 6 | Sunday |
Observed
The day is celebrated worldwide by trying new microwave recipes, sharing cooking tips, and appreciating this time-saving appliance.
Fun Facts About Microwaves
- They use 80% less energy than conventional ovens
- The first microwave was as tall as a refrigerator
- Microwaves heat food by exciting water molecules
- The first countertop model cost $495 ($3,600 in today’s money)
Quiz
- Who discovered microwave cooking?
- What year was the first microwave oven patented?
- What melted in Percy Spencer’s pocket?
-(Answers: 1. Percy Spencer, 2. 1945, 3. A chocolate bar)
FAQs
Q: Can metal go in microwaves?
A: No, metal can cause sparking and damage the appliance.
Q: Are microwaves safe?
A: Yes, when used properly, they’re completely safe.
Importance of National Microwave Oven Day
This day highlights how microwave technology has made cooking more accessible, efficient, and convenient for millions of people worldwide.
Related
- Kitchen Appliance Day
- Food Technology Day
- Inventors Day
- Energy Efficiency Day
- Convenience Food Day