One modern invention that has changed the way we live is the microwave oven. This machine has improved the ease with which we can feed ourselves, allowing meals to be made in minutes. While some may argue that the constant use of microwaveable meals is destroying our health, it is an undeniable fact that the invention of the microwave oven has improved our lives, and the ease with which we can live. That said, it is hard to imagine what life would be like without 2-minute meals that you can pop into the microwave if you are in a hurry.Which is why we as a society are very fortunate that a Mr. Percy Spencer had a great liking for candy bar.

The invention of the microwave oven began with the invention of a magnetron, used in World War II as radars on U.S. bombers. After the war was over, Percy Spencer, and employee of the company Raytheon, which produced the magnetrons, was touring one of the labs. As he paused to examine a magnetron, he noticed that a candy bar which he kept in his pocket began to melt. WHile other researchers had noticed a similar phenomenon, none by Spencer realized the importance of the discovery.

After Spencer realized that the magnetron did, in fact, have an effect on his candy bar, he decided to test it out on a multitude of other items. The magnetron successfully popped popcorn, and even exploded an egg right into Spencer’s coworker’s face. Realizing how useful such an item could be in the household, Spencer produced the first microwave oven in 1946. While it was much larger than the model we use today (almost the size of a refidgerator), and much more expensive (the equivalent of about $3000 today), the microwave oven was a huge success, and immediately began to be adapted for home use.

Without this man’s love of candy, the world may never have known the household uses of micro-waves. Everyday live and cooking would have been changed drastically.