Percy LeBaron Spencer, an American engineer, played a pivotal role in the development of microwaves. While working on radar technology during WWII, Spencer accidentally discovered the microwave’s heating effects when he noticed candy bars melting in his pocket near a magnetron. This led to the invention of the microwave oven, revolutionizing food preparation and preservation. Raytheon Corporation’s advancements in magnetron technology and Clarence Birdseye’s innovations in quick-freezing paved the way for the widespread adoption of microwaves in the post-war era. The demand for microwave ovens surged as part of the consumer appliance boom, shaping modern cooking practices and opening avenues for ongoing advancements in the field.