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1945 Dr. Percy Spencer, a self-taught engineer accidentally melts a chocolate bar in his pocket while testing a new vacuum tube called the magnetron.

Sounds to me like Dr. Spencer could have used a lead pocket protector, but whatever — bless him, because on that fateful day in 1945, little could he have known that the microwave oven was born. Yes, the microwave – that ubiquitous kitchen countertop small appliance that’s in over 92% of households surveyed and, according to a Yankelovich Monitor study, is considered indispensable by 75% of us (second only to the automobile!), was discovered by accident. Oops!

Did you know?
62%
of all microwave
ovens live on
the countertop

We like to think of it as serendipity, and if serendipity is defined as good luck, well then…it’s a great day! Hear this: this infographic is brought to you by IKEA’s The Kitchen exclusively for IKEAFANS.com (w00t!). Check them out for tons of great kitchen planning tips ideas, and watch for more from our new content partner from the UK – IKEAs The Kitchen!

Find out what our favorite thing to do with a microwave is (other than installing the microwave undercounter!) inside…
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