TVS 'La Bistecca' 28cm Iron Pan (Artusi 2.0 Series) - Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The TVS 'La Bistecca' 28cm iron pan, designed by the renowned architect Antonio Citterio, is a professional-grade cooking tool from the Artusi 2.0 series. Crafted for exceptional performance, it is perfect for frying, searing, browning, and sautéing. This pan is versatile and compatible with all cooktops, including induction. This manual provides essential instructions for its initial preparation, use, and care to ensure longevity and optimal cooking results.

Image: The TVS 'La Bistecca' iron pan ready for cooking, showcasing its design and size.

2. Setup: Initial Use and Seasoning

Before First Use

Before using your new TVS 'La Bistecca' iron pan for the first time, it is crucial to thoroughly wash both the interior and exterior surfaces with hot water and mild soap. This step removes any protective coating applied during manufacturing. After washing, dry the pan completely.

Seasoning Process

Seasoning creates a natural, protective, non-stick layer on the pan's surface, preventing oxidation and enhancing cooking performance. This process involves heating salt and oil, so exercise caution to avoid burns.

1. After washing and drying, place the pan on a heat source. Heat the pan to remove any residual moisture.
2. Completely fill the bottom of the pan with fine salt. Distribute the salt evenly, tilting the pan to cover the sides as well.
3. Continue heating the pan until its surface begins to turn dark blue. The pan will initially turn yellow, then brownish, and finally blue. The color change may not be entirely uniform, but the bottom should be predominantly dark blue. This indicates successful seasoning.
4. For induction cooktops, set the power to no more than 50%. Continuously move the pan on the cooktop to ensure even heat distribution across the entire surface. On ceramic glass cooktops, lift and move the pan rather than dragging it to prevent damage to both the cooktop and the pan.
5. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool for approximately 3 minutes.
6. Empty the salt from the pan.
7. Pour a small amount of cooking oil (olive or seed oil) into the pan. Heat the oil until it begins to smoke.
8. Turn off the heat and let the oil cool slightly. Using a utensil and an absorbent cloth, carefully spread the hot oil evenly over the entire interior surface, including the sides. Be extremely careful to avoid scalding yourself with the hot oil.
9. Allow the pan to cool completely. Your pan is now seasoned and ready for cooking.

Image: The pan during the seasoning process, illustrating the salt application and color change.

3. Operating Your Iron Pan

Iron pans are excellent for high-heat cooking, such as searing meats, frying, and achieving a perfect crust. Always preheat your pan thoroughly before adding food. A well-seasoned pan will naturally develop a non-stick surface over time with regular use. Avoid cooking highly acidic foods (like tomatoes, wine, or lemon) for extended periods, especially when the pan is new, as this can strip the seasoning.

4. Maintenance

To maintain your iron pan and prevent oxidation, always dry it thoroughly immediately after every contact with water. It is also recommended to store the pan lightly oiled. Minor oxidation is normal and will not impair the pan's performance.

If acidic foods like vinegar, wine, tomato, or lemon remove the seasoning, it is essential to re-season the pan immediately after use to prevent further oxidation.

5. Cleaning

Your TVS 'La Bistecca' iron pan is not dishwasher safe. Always wash it by hand using non-abrasive sponges. After washing, dry the pan thoroughly and immediately. If there are no excessive food residues, dry cleaning is preferable to preserve the seasoning.

6. Troubleshooting

Oxidation or Rust Spots

Minor oxidation or rust spots can occur, especially if the pan is not dried immediately after washing or if acidic foods have stripped the seasoning. This is normal and does not affect the pan's functionality.

• To remove oxidation traces, scrub the affected area with an abrasive scourer.
• Boil water with vinegar in the pan for a few minutes.
• After this process, it will be necessary to repeat the full seasoning procedure as described in Section 2.

Non-Uniform Seasoning Color

It is normal for the pan's surface to not achieve a perfectly uniform dark blue color after seasoning. The important aspect is that the bottom surface is predominantly dark blue. The pan's performance will improve with progressive use and further seasoning layers.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information or product support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact TVS customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.