The Antunes Model TW-100 Tortilla Warmer is a commercial appliance designed specifically for warming tortillas. It is intended for use in various commercial settings such as restaurants, canteens, hospitals, bakeries, and butcheries, but not for continuous mass production of food.
Function Description
The primary function of the TW-100 is to warm tortillas to a ready-to-serve temperature. The unit features heating platens that bring tortillas to the desired warmth. Operation is straightforward, involving a power button to turn the unit on and off, and an LED display that indicates the current status, including when it's warming up ("LO") and when it's ready for use ("USE").
Usage Features
To operate the tortilla warmer, users must first press and hold the power button for at least two seconds to turn it on. The unit will then begin warming, displaying "LO" until it reaches the optimal temperature, at which point "USE" will appear. When ready, the handle should be gripped firmly with one hand to open, hold open, or close the warmer. With the other hand, tortillas can be placed onto and removed from the warming platens. It is crucial to touch only the tortilla itself to avoid contact with the hot heating platens and to never release the grip on the handle while the warmer is in the open position to prevent instability. The device is exclusively for warming tortillas and should not be used for cooking other food items.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and safe operation of the TW-100. Daily cleaning is recommended and should only be performed after the unit has been powered off, unplugged, and allowed to cool to room temperature (below 220°F/100°C). The display will show "CLN" when it's safe to clean.
For daily cleaning, a damp, soapy washcloth should be used to wipe down the edges, handle, top of the lid, and the base of the press. The interior platens should also be wiped with a tightly wrung towel dipped in detergent. It is critical not to use steel wool or scouring powder on the cooking surface, as these can cause damage. After washing with detergent, all surfaces should be wiped with a damp (clean water only) tightly wrung towel, followed by a new clean towel dipped in a quat sanitizer solution. No chemicals, grill bricks, or stainless steel scrub pads should be used to clean the tortilla press. The unit should never be immersed in water or cleaned with a water jet.
For spills, any food items other than tortillas dropped on the warming surfaces should be immediately wiped up with a clean damp cloth. If plastic film melts onto the surface, it should be removed immediately with a high-temperature plastic spatula. Platens must always be dried after use.
Seasoning the unit is a daily procedure, performed after cleaning and before opening for use. This involves turning on the press, waiting for it to heat up and display "USE," then folding a burrito-sized tortilla in half twice and using it to wipe the entire surface of both the top and bottom plates of the press. The tortilla should then be discarded. No oil or chemicals should be used to season the press, and the tortilla should not be left in the press.
The manual also provides troubleshooting for error codes displayed on the LED, advising users to power cycle the unit first. If errors persist, contact Antunes Technical Service. For a tripped Hi-Limit control, the unit must cool for 10-15 minutes before being turned back on and the reset button pressed. Only qualified service personnel should perform inspections, testing, and repairs of electrical equipment. The power cord should be unplugged and the unit allowed to cool before any service or maintenance. The use of genuine Antunes replacement parts is mandatory to avoid voiding the warranty.