Raytheon, the company that initially developed and patented the microwave oven, did not necessarily lose the microwave oven market. In fact, Raytheon played a crucial role in the early development of microwave technology. The company's patent on the microwave oven technology, granted in 1945, laid the foundation for its commercialization.
However, Raytheon chose not to pursue the consumer market for microwave ovens directly. Instead, they focused on commercial and industrial applications of microwaves, such as radar systems. This decision allowed other companies to enter the consumer microwave oven market and establish themselves as leaders in the field.
The first consumer microwave oven, the "Radarange," was introduced by a company called Tappan in 1955. It was a large and expensive appliance, primarily marketed to restaurants and other commercial establishments. Over time, other companies recognized the potential of the microwave oven in the consumer market and began developing more compact, affordable, and user-friendly models.
Companies like Litton Industries, Amana Corporation, and Panasonic (formerly Matsushita Electric) played significant roles in advancing microwave oven technology and making it more accessible to consumers. They focused on refining the design, improving efficiency, reducing size, and lowering costs. These companies invested in research and development, marketing, and distribution, gaining a competitive advantage in the emerging microwave oven market.
Raytheon's decision to prioritize other applications of microwave technology, combined with the competition and innovation from other companies, contributed to them not dominating the consumer microwave oven market. However, it is worth noting that Raytheon still remained involved in the microwave industry through its commercial and industrial applications, while other companies took the lead in the consumer market.