Unusual Inventions - The Sweet smell of the Microwave

by
Pardon the poetic title - but you couldn’t write this invention. This is the story of the chocolate bar, the scientists pocket, the popcorn and the egg. Confused?
*Okay, before we go on, I need to clarify. The Microwave is not and cannot be invented. Microwaves are natural forms of electromagnetic radiation, and don’t ask me more, I don’t know. However the product that we know as the Microwave is a product invented that cooks things very quickly - I think we all get that part.
Dr, Percy Spencer, can take credit for the Microwave Oven, but like many inventions, the Engineer was attempting to test other things at the time and it was just by luck and a bit of thinking that the credit falls at his lap. (literally)
Passing in front of a magnetron (a high-poweredvacuum tube that generatesmicrowaves using the interaction of a stream ofelectrons with amagnetic field) at one of the laboratories at Raytheon where he worked - the Doctor noticed that the chocolate bar that was in his pocket, had begun to melt. It got him thinking and he went and grabbed a bag of popcorn, which after being held up to the magnetron - began to pop...The egg he then ‘experimented on’ exploded...
Fast forward 20 years or so, post vast size microwave machines that would not look out of place on the TV show Lost as part of the Dharma Initiative, the Microwave Oven, or Microwave, as we simply know it was a mainstay in many homes. Now, we are literally lost without one in the home.
If ever you need the inspiration that many ideas and inventions, just happen (but you have to be doing something in the first place for them to happen) then the Microwave is that proof. Success must taste sweet for Dr. Percy Spencer, inventor of the Microwave*.
By the way, that is not Dr Percy Spencer in the picture, in case you were wondering...
Hungry for more unusual inventions - check out our tale of the Corn Flake.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Got a business in the manufacturing sector? These tips on how you can reduce energy costs while being more sustainable are well worth a read...

Innovative InsurTech startup SureIn announces a €4M Seed round to further its mission of making insurance easy, transparent and hassle-free for SMBs.

Nassia Skoulikariti, Director of IoT Programmes, Mobile Ecosystem Forum shares some insights on how IoT is having a significant impact on all our lives.

Roger James Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Genius Group, a world-leading entrepreneur Edtech and education group, discusses how introducing a globalized curriculum will help better prepare students.

SuperFi, the debt prevention platform, has announced a $1m pre-seed funding round to support people during the cost of living crisis.

41 startups from 13 countries, including the UK, have been selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program, one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms.

Personal training platform Another Round has secured £300k in its latest fundraise, including investment from angels and its community.

Thingtrax Secures £4.3M to Empower Manufacturers to Build the Factories of the Future

A measure of inflation relief for small firms sees transport costs fall but service price increases remain elevated

Bedfordshire-based HR tech startup HR DataHub has built a range of tools for HR departments
Published on: 10th September 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- SureIn Secures €4M to Close the SMB Insurance Gap 15th Aug 2023 Innovative InsurTech startup SureIn announces a €4M Seed round to further its mission of making insurance easy, transparent and hassle-free for SMBs.
- SuperFi raises $1M pre-seed funding round 28th Jul 2023 SuperFi, the debt prevention platform, has announced a $1m pre-seed funding round to support people during the cost of living crisis.
- Startups rely on AI & sustainability for new partnerships 27th Jul 2023 41 startups from 13 countries, including the UK, have been selected for the 8th Kickstart Innovation program, one of Europe’s leading innovation platforms.
- Another Round closes £300k Seed round to revolutionise personal training 21st Jul 2023 Personal training platform Another Round has secured £300k in its latest fundraise, including investment from angels and its community.