NPR

3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Beeeep! Your Microwave's 50th Anniversary Is Ready

No self-respecting cook would admit to using the food-nuker for anything more than heating up last night's pasta, but it's hard to deny the influence this little machine has had on American life.
The Amana Radarange was born of a happy accident caused by an engineer who was working for the defense contractor Raytheon in the 1940s.

Just like comedian , the microwave oven often gets no respect. Every kitchen has one, but no self-respecting cook would admit to using it for anything more than just heating up last night's pasta. But it's hard to deny the influence the food-nuker has had on American life, and this year marks 50

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster Tackles The Emotional Toll Of Difficult Pregnancies
The economist made a name for herself using data to challenge the accepted rules of pregnancy. Now, she's returning to the topic with a book on how to navigate its complications.
NPR9 min read
Rappers Took The White House. Now What?
A new documentary, Hip-Hop and the White House, considers rap's association with presidential politics — and in so doing, reveals a persistent misunderstanding of how both operate.
NPR7 min readAmerican Government
Trump Trial Coverage
The news media face a number of temptations while covering the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, including dwelling on salacious details, overdramatizing insignificant moments, and getting distracted by out-of-court behaviors that have

Related Books & Audiobooks