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Tappan Model RL-1 Microwave Oven

Raytheon Manufacturing Co.

Developed by Tappan in conjunction with Raytheon, the RL-1 was the first microwave oven designed for home use. Only 34 units were manufactured in 1955, the first year of production, due to a retail price of $1,295 and confusion among customers about how to use the new technology. RL-1 production ended in 1964. In time, people grew more comfortable with microwave cooking and prices dropped. When first introduced, microwave ovens were promoted as the wave of the future, the latest in modern electrical cooking. For the most part, that prediction proved correct. By 1976, a brand-new microwave oven cost less than $300 and people bought them for offices, dorm rooms and break rooms. By 2000, microwaves were found in 90 percent of U.S. households.

Date

1955

Type

electrical appliance

Medium

metal (overall material)

Department

NMAH

Institution

National Museum of American History

Object number

nmah_1088040

Credit

Gift of Frigidaire Company