It is believed that the microwave oven is designed to heat cooked foods and thaw foods. On the one hand it is: the very first microwave was used for defrosting. But if you look at it from a different angle, we will see a universal appliance 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 its use.
Who invented the first microwave oven
Now we know two options for creating a microwave. The first version is from World War II. To speed up the cooking process, which is dangerous at the front, the first microwave oven was invented in Germany. Later, development 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, it is nothing more than a theory.
A more popular and believable 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 the products. On October 8, 1945, the creator officially patented his invention.
However, the first microwave oven was released only 2 years after the receipt of the patent and was used exclusively by the military to defrost food.
Myths and debates of scientists
For many years, there have been disputes around the microwave. Scientists were divided into two camps: some claimed that the effects of microwaves on foods can cause allergies and even cancer. Others denied the statements of colleagues and assured: microwave ovens 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 get any effect on the body.
For example, compare the microwave with a conventional Wi-Fi router. Radiation from a working microwave oven during operation is less than that of a conventional router during data transfer. If you are worried about your health, we do not recommend 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 structural change at the molecular level. The maximum that can happen is the burning of 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 was 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 equipment is more energy efficient and has an additional guarantee. Little-known brands often neglect safety and receive quality certificates in 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 equipment operates at the same frequency as the modem. In operating mode, the magnetic field of the furnace can greatly distort the signal, while a computer or smartphone will not detect errors and simply notify you that there is no network. This rule only applies if your device is a meter away from the device.
How the microwave has changed
Most buyers did not pay attention to frightening publications and actively bought sensational equipment. But at the time of their “birth”, the stoves did not look like we can imagine. Consider several stages through which the microwave went through 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 tall like modern refrigerators - 180 cm. Such a microwave was worth $ 1000, only very wealthy people could afford a purchase.
- The first model came off the assembly line in 1947, but large-scale sales of domestic stoves only began in 1962.
- In 1962, a well-known rotating plate appeared.
- In 1979, the first microprocessor-based furnace was developed and launched.
- In the late 90s, the microcomputer controlled the microwave, and also the functions familiar to us appeared: convection and grill.
Fact! The first serial manufacturer of microwaves was the world famous company Sharp.
Innovation and new technology
In the early 2000s, Panasonic launched the production of inverter furnaces. The difference between the models was that the power was installed in an arbitrary order. In addition, the food warmed up quickly and evenly. Panasonic, as well as other manufacturers began to pay more attention to design, on the shelves appeared new models in retro style and hi-tech.
Microwaves in the USSR - true or fiction
In the USSR there really were microwave ovens that began to be produced in the late 70s. It is difficult to say in which year the mass production was started. But there is evidence that already in 1978, the ovens transmitted super-high-frequency “hello” from the Moscow Pluton plant. At the Southern Machine-Building Plant, Dneprjanka and Mriya models were actively produced. As for the design, it is worth noting the familiar Soviet brevity.
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 save the equipment that came from the distant past and was transformed into a powerful, stylish and modern device.
It is impossible:
- Turn on the oven if the door is open.
- To start the device “idle”, otherwise it may fail.
- Use metal, thin glass and porcelain dishes.
- Use cooking oil.
- Heat and boil eggs if you do not want a spectacular explosion.
- Heat food in jars and bottles (canned food, baby food).
- Use the appliance to dry something.
The history of the origin and release of the first microwave ovens has never been a secret. Facts and news were published in newspapers back in the 40s. Some of the information was lost, we did not even hear about many models, and the design and functionality of the equipment have long changed. But one thing remains the same - all the same principle of operation, which gave microwave ovens great popularity.