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It is believed that the microwave oven was created for heating ready-made food and defrosting food. On the one hand, it is: the very first microwave was used for defrosting. But if you look from a different angle, we will see a universal device that can completely replace the oven and help prepare unique dishes.
In the article, we will find out who and when invented the microwave oven, we will destroy several myths about the dangers of using it.
Who invented the first microwave oven
Now we know two options for creating a microwave oven. The first version comes from the Second World War. To speed up the cooking process, which is dangerous at the front, the first microwave oven was invented in Germany. Later, developments and research fell into the hands of other large countries, which included the USSR. But there is no direct evidence of the German origin of technology, this is nothing more than a theory.
A more popular and plausible version is the creation of the device by the famous American engineer Percy Spencer. During research, the inventor noticed that waves at a certain frequency are capable of generating heat. After that, Spencer proved the effect of the magnetron on products. On October 8, 1945, the creator officially patented his invention.
However, the first microwave oven was released only 2 years after the patent was received and was used exclusively by the military for defrosting food.
Myths and disputes of scientists
The microwave has been the subject of controversy for many years. Scientists divided into two camps: some argued that exposure to microwaves on food can cause allergies and even cancer. Others refuted the statements of their colleagues and assured: microwaves are completely safe for the human body.
Irradiation
Even the most inexpensive equipment does not threaten health if you do not stand nearby for 8 hours a day at a distance of one meter. In other cases, you will not receive any effect on the body.
For example, let’s compare a microwave with a regular Wi-Fi router. The radiation of a working microwave oven during operation is less than that of a conventional router during data transfer. If you are concerned about your health, we do not recommend that you sleep next to the modem.
Microwaves change the structure of food
The work of microwaves is to accelerate the molecules of products for self-heating and there is no harm or change in the structure at the molecular level. The maximum that can happen is burning food if you forget to turn off the stove in time. To avoid this, modern models are equipped with timers and an automatic shutdown function.
Cheap microwaves are dangerous
Another myth that is created to redirect customers to branded products. Of course, more expensive models will differ in functionality and quality, but the principle of operation is the same everywhere. Branded appliances are more energy efficient and have an additional warranty. Little-known brands often neglect safety and receive quality certificates from illegal or semi-legal firms.
Note that the service life of expensive and budget equipment is almost the same – from 3 to 5 years.
Microwave ovens affect the signal level of the router
And it is true. It is not surprising, because the technique operates at the same frequency as the modem. In the operating mode, the magnetic field of the oven can greatly distort the signal, while the computer or smartphone will not detect errors and simply notify you that there is no network. This rule only applies if your device is within a meter of the device.
How has the microwave changed?
Most buyers did not pay attention to the frightening publications and actively bought sensational equipment. But at the time of their “birth” ovens did not look like we can imagine. Consider several stages through which the microwave has passed to the level of modern analogues.
- The first models weighed more than 1,5 tons, it was not possible to move them without assistance. In addition, they were as high as modern refrigerators – 180 cm. Such a microwave oven cost $ 1000, only very wealthy people could afford to buy it.
- The first model rolled off the assembly line in 1947, but the large-scale sale of household stoves did not begin until 1962.
- In 1962, the well-known rotating saucer appeared.
- In 1979 the first microprocessor oven was developed and produced.
- In the late 90s, the microwave was controlled by a microcomputer, and the functions familiar to us appeared: convection and grill.
Fact! The world famous company Sharp became the first mass-produced manufacturer of microwaves.
Innovation and new technologies
In the early 2000s, Panasonic launched the production of inverter ovens. The difference between the models was that the power was set randomly. In addition, the food warmed up quickly and evenly. Panasonic, as well as other manufacturers, began to pay more attention to design, new models in retro and high-tech style appeared on the shelves.
Microwave ovens in the USSR – fact or fiction
In the USSR, there really were microwave ovens, which began to be produced in the late 70s. It is difficult to say in what year mass production began. But there is evidence that already in 1978, the furnaces transmitted an ultra-high-frequency “hello” from the Moscow plant “Pluton”. At the Southern Machine-Building Plant, the Dnepryanka and Mriya models were actively produced. As for the design, it is worth noting the usual Soviet conciseness.
It is not surprising that it was difficult to buy such equipment, the high price and modest volume interfered – only a couple of thousand a year for the entire USSR.
Reliable or not
The microwave has long been the first assistant in the kitchen, it will serve faithfully, if you follow a few simple rules. No radiation threatens you, the stove will not bring harm to health. Careful care will allow you to save the equipment that came from the distant past and has been transformed into a powerful, stylish and modern device.
You can not:
- Switch on the oven if the door is open.
- Run the device “idle”, otherwise it may fail.
- Use metal, thin glass and porcelain dishes.
- Use cooking oil.
- Reheat and boil eggs if you don’t want a spectacular explosion.
- Warm food in jars and bottles (canned food, baby food).
- Use a dryer.
The history of the origin and production of the first microwave ovens has never been a secret. Facts and news were published in newspapers as early as the 40s. Some of the information was lost, we have not even heard of many models, and the design and functionality of the equipment have changed a long time ago. But one thing remains the same – the same principle of operation that made microwaves so popular.