Completely off the subject--Old microwaves are interesting
A few months ago, I had my microwaved serviced, it just just a small part. I got to talking with the guy, since he liked my vintage stove.
He said a few years ago he went to a home to service an ancient microwave oven. He said it was a Tappan. It only needed a mechanical adjustment to the door which was fixed easily. What he said that was so disturbing was that it was very large, had TUBES inside it, and was COOLED WITH WATER! It had a water line connected to it. I was just amazed. He said he thought it was from the early 60s.
Doing research, all I could find out was that Tappan did in fact have some very early microwaves, huge industrial machines that only a few hospitals bought. I found a picture of the huge closet sized one a while back on the web. Just now I found this quote:
"Tappan was responsible for several range "firsts" in the industry including an all-porcelain range available in various colors in the 1920's and electric ignition for gas ranges in the 1960's. In 1955, Tappan revolutionized the way the world would cook with the introduction of the first microwave oven model for home use. The first production Tappan microwave model -- a 24-inch built-in oven -- operated on 220 volts and retailed for about $1,200. Ten years later Tappan introduced a deluxe 30-inch wide cooking center - the first conventional range and microwave available in a single unit. The Tappan Company became associated with AB Electrolux in 1979."
I got the above from:
http://www.poulan.com/tappan_history.asp
That said, I am very curious as to what the first "home" models looked like. The first microwaves I was ever aware of were these Amana Radaranges, and they always appeared to me to resemble the TVs of the day!
Any other history buffs out there that could shed some light on this?
