What problems did the microwave oven solve?

Cooking Speed: Microwave ovens significantly reduced cooking times compared to traditional methods, making meal preparation faster and more convenient.

Defrosting: Microwave ovens provided a quick and safe way to defrost frozen foods, often within minutes, compared to the lengthy process of thawing at room temperature or under running water.

Reheating: Microwaves made it easy to quickly reheat leftovers or prepared meals without the need to reheat the entire meal on the stove or in the oven.

Energy Efficiency: Microwave ovens are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, consuming less electricity during the cooking process.

Versatility: While primarily used for heating food, microwave ovens also offered various cooking functions, allowing users to grill, steam, or bake certain dishes.

Space-Saving: Compared to traditional ovens, microwave ovens took up less counter or appliance space, making them suitable for smaller kitchens or limited areas.

Ease of Use: Microwave ovens are generally user-friendly, with simple controls and settings to choose from, making them straightforward to operate even for individuals unfamiliar with cooking.