Story: Cooking

Microwave oven, 1965

Microwave oven, 1965

The first microwave ovens appeared in New Zealand kitchens in the early 1970s, but this model was exhibited at a trade stall during a hospital boards conference in Nelson in 1965. Optimistically described as the 'oven of the future', this microwave cost £625, a whopping $22,000 in 2012 terms. The cost of microwaves significantly decreased over time – the cheapest cost less than $100 in 2012.

Using this item

Nelson Provincial Museum, Nelson Photo News Collection
Reference: NPN62-19651211
Photograph by Barry Simpson

Permission must be sought from Nelson Provincial Museum before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

David Burton, 'Cooking - Cooking technology', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/38524/microwave-oven-1965 (accessed 14 May 2024)

Story by David Burton, published 5 Sep 2013