At DID Electrical we love holidays, and what batter (see why we did there?) way to celebrate a day than a nod to the pancake! Also known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday is traditionally the day when you use up rich food (milk, eggs, flour ect ) ahead of the 40 days of Lent. Pancake Tuesday is celebrated globally, but we have a particular love for it here in Ireland. To help celebrate Pancake Tuesday 2026, we have collated a list of all our favourite food prep gadgets to help you in the kitchen this year.
Top Kitchen Gadgets for Pancake Tuesday
Hand Mixers
Perfect for whisking batter quickly and evenly — no soggy flour lumps this Pancake Tuesday!
Great for light & fluffy pancake batter
Easy to clean and store
Ideal for small kitchens or quick prep
💡 Tip: Look for models with multiple speed settings and additional accessories for versatile use beyond Pancake Tuesday. Hand blenders are great for making soups, pureeing baby foods and making gravy. It is a great small kitchen gadget that can do plenty but not take up your valuable kitchen counter space.
Food Processors
A food processor is a must-have appliance for any kitchen. For Pancake Tuesday enthusiasts, it will help make the batter or help with making compotes and sauces to top your pancakes.
Quick blending power
Small footprint but big capabilities
Perfect for smoothies too!
The food processor will get plenty of use year-round, taking much of the elbow grease out of some of your favourite recipes. Whether you love to bake bread, whip up a meringue, or try your hand at a soufflé, a food processor is a must-have.
💡 Tip: You can also opt for a statement piece, a colourful Smeg or Kenwood to give your kitchen a modern look.
Digital Food Scales
In our opinion, a digital food scale should be a non-negotiable in every kitchen. If you like to prep food from scratch, then this gadget will make sure you get consistent results every time. Especially if you are baking or trying your hand at desserts or bread-making.
For Pancake Tuesday, precision makes perfect pancakes.
Accurate ingredient ratios
Less batter waste
Great for consistent results
💡 Tip: You can use your scales to weigh out ingredients as you remove them, like peanut butter from the jar. Just add the jar to your scales and reset the count to zero. Remove the ingredient, and the negative number will show you the weight of what you have taken.
Top Tips for Perfect Pancakes
Get the Batter Right
Sift your flour to avoid lumps.
Add eggs first, then gradually whisk in milk for a smoother mix.
For extra light pancakes, replace a small amount of milk with sparkling water.
Let the batter rest for 20–30 minutes — this relaxes the gluten and improves texture.
Your batter should be similar to single cream for thin pancakes/ crepes.
Find the Perfect Heat
Preheat your pan before adding butter or oil.
Use an even medium heat — too hot, and they burn; too low, and they dry out.
Test with a small drop of batter first.
A well-heated pan ensures golden, evenly cooked pancakes. Make sure your pan has not warped over time. You want all points of your pan to make contact with the heat to ensure perfectly even pancakes.
Don't Overdo Your Oil
- Lightly grease your pan with butter or vegetable oil.
- Adding too much oil will make your pancakes greasy and unappetising. You want just enough to help give a lovely golden brown.
Vegetable oils have a high burning point, so they are popular for pancakes. Butter gives a nice flavour and browning. The choice really comes down to preference.
Upgrade Your Topping Choices
Some sweet options
Nutella & banana
Fresh berries & Greek yoghurt
Maple syrup & crispy bacon
Stewed apples with cinnamon
Some savoury ideas
Spinach & feta
Ham & cheese
Smoked salmon & cream cheese
Why not set out a fun board of toppings and let the whole family get involved? It's a great way for letting kids get involved in the kitchen, just keep all the pan work for the adults!
Pancake Tuesday FAQs
When is Pancake Tuesday 2026?
Pancake Tuesday falls on the 17th of February 2026. The date changes every year as it depends on the date of Easter Sunday, which varies year-on-year.
Why do we celebrate Pancake Tuesday?
Pancake Tuesday is the traditional feast day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar.
Historically, households used up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, butter, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent began — and pancakes were the perfect way to use these ingredients up.
What’s the difference between Traditional Irish and American pancakes?
Many Irish households make thin, crepe-like pancakes. They are usually served folded with the fillings inside. The American-style pancakes are much thicker, with a fluffy inside. They are typically stacked when served, with the toppings placed on the top pancake or decorated around the serving plate. Both styles have a place on the table for Pancake Tuesday; it just comes down to preference!
Why are my pancakes sticking?
Here are some of the common reasons that your pancakes could be sticking:
Your pan is not hot enough
Not enough (or too much) oil
Poor-quality non-stick surface
Flipping too early - wait until the uncooked side bubbles and starts to cook through
Make sure your pan is properly heated and lightly greased before cooking.
Can I make pancake batter in advance?
Yes, you can store your pre-made batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Pre-makig your batter is a great way to save time and just keep all the fun parts for Pancake Tuesday! Make sure to stir any premade batter gently before using.
You can also store cooked pancakes in the fridge or 2-3 days. You can eat them cold from the fridge or toast them lightly before eating.
What’s the best flour for pancakes?
Plain flour works well for traditional pancakes. If you want to make the fluffy American-style pancakes, then you should opt for self-raising flour.
