Best Electric Fillet Knife for Fish | ReviewNight

Do you use a fillet knife regularly? It’s a handy tool, no doubt. It works well enough if you fillet a single fish every now and then. But if you have to deal with a lot more fish than that on a regular basis, then you simply have to get yourself the best electric fillet knife for fish.

What is a Filleting Knife Used For?

In some cases, you may buy an entire fish from the market, and then you can use the filleting knife to get the meat from the fish bones. That way, you have fish pieces that you can then cook as you like.

If you’re not too sure which electric fillet knife to get, it would be best if you start your search of these fine electric fillet knives.

This comes with 2 blades, with one measuring 6 inches and the other 7.5 inches long. The power cord is especially long, as it extends up to 18 feet. There are even adapters so that you can plug this into any AC/DC outlet. There’s even a 12V lighter plug. This can work even on a boat or a trailer. It comes in a travel case as well, so you know it’s not just for home use.

This fillet knife features a relaxed grip body, so you’re able to maintain a comfy fold as you guide it along. The motor is quite powerful, but it’s not too noisy either. This motor is tough as well, and it can sure work a long time. Most fans of the Rapala Deluxe even claim that you can use this for 10,000 fishes before you’ll need to replace it.

With the use of stainless steel for the blade, you don’t have to worry too much about corrosion. The advanced air flow design also provides efficient cutting, as it keeps the motor humming smoothly.

This knife costs about 20% more than the Rapala Deluxe, but it’s really designed for heavy-duty work. This may be the best option if you’re working in a seafood restaurant kitchen or with a fishing trawler .

So, just how powerful is this version. The blade operates at twice the speed of a standard electric fillet knife, which makes it truly impressive. Then you get 3 times the power from its motor. All these advantages make it a truly powerful option. It can cut better and more effectively.

This is also what you may want to get if you’re dealing mainly with large fish. Use it for trout, salmon , and walleye. In fact, it can even work for back bones and rib bones.

It’s easy to use, with an 8-foot electrical cord and a relaxed grip. The airflow flow body design even dampens vibrations.

Now we’re at the more expensive models, but it’s understandable as this comes with 4 blades. It comes with 7-inch and 9-inch FLEX blades, plus 9-inch and 12-inch stiff blades. It even comes with a high-quality EVA case for transport and storage. It uses TiN (titanium nitride) stainless steel with high carbon content for extra hardness.

This should be easy to handle even when you have large hands, as the handle measures 8.5 inches long. It also offers a non-slip grip. The trigger is ergonomic, and there’s even a trigger guard for extra safety. There’s a safety lock too. The motor benefits from the special ventilation design, which gives you plenty of torque to use.

Despite the cost, the 4 blades here really offer you a great deal. You also have the power you need to make effortless cuts. This can run all day, and the safety features is a definite plus.

This is the most expensive fillet knife on this list, but what else can you expect from a professional-grade model? Also, it comes with 5 different blade designs, which can let you deal most effectively with a dozen different types of fish. There’s even a guide on which blade to use for which fish.

With all these blades you get plenty of power as well. The motor and gear design truly gives you that power and torque you need so you can fillet the fish without too much effort. It even offers twice the torque that you’d get from any other “heavy-duty” electric fillet knife.

These knives can last for a very long time. They may even last up to 4 times as long as other knives (even the heavy-duty ones). They also run cooler, which makes filleting for long hours a lot more comfortable. It’s not surprising that many (or even most) commercial fishermen use the knives from the American Angler PRO series.

If you want the best for home use, just get this as well. It may be expensive, but it saves you a money in the long run, not to mention time and effort as well.

Okay, if your budget can’t deal with the prices of the more expensive knives on this list, it doesn’t mean you’d have to do without. This Mister Twister knife may do, and it only costs maybe 20% of the American Angler PRO Sportsmen’s kit.

That doesn’t mean it’s and. In fact, it offers excellent value for money. It offers impressive power and torque, while the hand design is quite relaxing. This can even be used for other meats.

Maybe the only drawback to this electric fillet knife is that it’s cheap, so you may be wary about hidden flaws. It even feels cheap when you hold it. But it sure cuts fish meat effectively, and it’s easy to push. It also comes with a safety lock.

Perhaps the only real flaw is that the electrical cord is a bit short, and it’s even coiled so the tension is a bit bothersome. An uncoiled longer cord would have been better.

Now we’re back to the more expensive 3-figure price range. This is basically the cordless version of the earlier BUBBA fillet knife on the list. It even includes the same 4 blades you can interchangeably use.

It’s basically the same knife as the other BUBBA. You have the special case for all the kit components. The knife features the 8.5-inch non-slip ergonomic handle. You have the trigger guard as well.

What’s different is that this comes with its own built-in battery, along with a charger too. The battery has plenty of juice, and lasts much longer than many of its cordless counterparts out there. You’ll tire of filleting fish more quickly than you’d lose battery power completely.

This also features an LED battery life indicator, and it even comes with a 2nd battery in case the first one runs out in the middle of a job. All in all, this is an excellent cordless fillet knife that you might even want to use regularly at home.

This is still in the 3-fiture price range, but it’s more affordable than the Sportsmen’s Kit since it only features a single blade. It measures 8 inches long, so it should work in most cases. You still have the option of buying extra blades as you see fit.

It’s still expensive because all the core features are present. You have twice the torque and 4 times the lifespan of any other heavy-duty fillet knife you may find. It’s ergonomic, and the air flow design lets it work cool for hours. It sure can remove skin from the fish without any real effort at all.

Perhaps the only sticking point here is the trigger, which works a bit differently. It doesn’t stop the blade from working when you release the trigger. Instead, you have to pull the trigger a second time to get it to stop.

This comes with a carrying case, along with the 110V standard plug and the 8-inch stainless steel blade. This blade cuts very nicely, though it’s best for the larger fish. It doesn’t mind getting wet at all, since it uses stainless steel.

You have the ergonomic handle for long work hours without hurting your hands too much. With the side release buttons, you can use this without worrying about inadvertently releasing the blades when using it. This whole package is very affordable, and great for bigger fish.

There are actually 3 versions to pick from for this battery-powered fillet knife. You can get the 110V (which we’ve covered earlier) or the 12V models, but this time we went with the Deluxe model for a few extra dollars. This is a kit that includes a 110V standard plug, a 12V vehicle plug, and battery clips. You get the carrying case as well.

What’s more, this comes with 2 blades, both of which are made from stainless steel. You can use the 6-inch blade for the smaller fish, and for larger fish you can go with the 8-inch blade.

It works fine, with the sharp blades cutting quickly and efficiently. The handle is ergonomic as well, and there’s no hand fatigue to worry about afterwards. There are side release buttons too, which prevents you from accidentally releasing the blade while you’re cutting. With its low price, this is a definite steal.

This another affordable model, but you sure get a lot for your money. The Slab-O-Matic includes a 7-inch stainless steel blade, with a sheath for extra protection during storage. It also comes with then 4.5-inch stainless steel ribcage blade, also with a sheath. You get all these, along with the marine-grade mesh bag for storage and transport.

The airflow design works well, with the cooling vents letting you work for long hours without any issues. It also places the handle just right for comfy use. For your protection, you even get an XL glove so you can use this more safely.

Perhaps one drawback is that the 120V AC power cord here is only 6 feet long. That may limit where you can use this, but for most households it shouldn’t be a real issue.

How to Pick the Best Electric Fish Fillet Knife?

Power Supply

Basically, this is a question of whether you go for a corded or cordless fillet knife. In general, it’s best if you go with a corded version when you only use the fillet knife in your kitchen . But the cordless fillet knife is the better option on a boat, and it’s your only option (aside from a manual fillet knife, that is) if you’re working where there are no handy electrical sockets .

Whether you go with a corded or cordless model, you do need to be sure you have a sufficiently powerful motor to do the work. With a corded model, you may want to consider the length of the electrical cord . If it’s too short, it may severely limit where you can use it.

With the cordless, it’s mainly about how much battery juice you get and how long you can use the knife before the battery power runs out. Another factor is how long it takes to recharge the battery fully. It’s a nice advantage if it doesn’t really take all that long.

Blade Quality

However, you do need to make sure that the blade steel is corrosion-resistant. That usually means it should be made from stainless steel .

Variable Speed

While the top speed is important, you may want the capability of adjusting the blade speed. That way, you use just enough cutting force on the fish to get things done just right.

Safety Features

Knives that can cut when you just brush upon the blade are dangerous . That’s especially true if you’re a newbie. So, it sure helps if the electric fillet knife comes with several safety features that can prevent accidents and minimize injuries.

Carry Bag

This is important when you’re planning to use the knife outdoors and on fishing trips . A carry bag is a convenient, as it can also carry your other tools.

Corded vs. Cordless

Both versions can come in hand, though it depends mainly on your circumstances. More specifically, it depends on where you are.

Are you at home and in your kitchen? Then it’s better to use a corded electric fillet knife. Your kitchen undoubtedly has an electrical socket where you can plug your electric knife. That gives you all the power you need, and you can work all day and even through the night. If you have the endurance, the knife will always have the power.

It’s a different matter if you’re on a boat. You may not have a handy socket near where you’re cutting the fish. A cordless fillet knife has a battery that lets you work without that electrical socket. You won’t have to deal with a pesky cord that might get in the way, either.

You do have a time limit, and you’re not able to work any further when the battery juice runs out. The good news is that an excellent cordless fillet knife can give you a lot of power when fully charged. You’re probably more likely to get tired first, before the knife battery power runs out.

What are the benefits of using electric fillet knife?

Here are the main reasons why an electric fillet knife for fish is a much better option than a regular fillet knife:

Saves time

An electric fillet knife basically cuts the knife by itself. You simply need to guide the knife. With a regular knife, you have to cut through the fish yourself, and that means you have to be more careful. That takes time.

You only save a few minutes or so when you’re filleting only a fish or two at a time. But you save a whole lot of time when you’re dealing with a lot more fish on a daily basis. The time savings per fish all add up.

In addition, the electric fillet knife doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. You don’t even have to sharpen the blade of the electric fillet knife as often as you would the regular knife .

Takes Less Strength

As the knife has a motor that does all the work, you won’t have to exert any effort in actually cutting the fish.  It cuts through the meat efficiently, regardless of how tough the fish meat may be. Your hand on the knife is only there to guide the knife as it works.

With a manual knife, you’ll need wrist strength to make sure you cut through properly. Again, it’s not really a lot of trouble when you’re only cutting a fish or two. But you’ll be tired more quickly when you have to deal with the fish you catch with a net, or when you’re serving a lot of fish for a restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Sharpen Electric Fillet Knife Blades?

In general, these electric fillet knives come with instructions for maintenance. It’s always a good idea to read the manual to see if there are any special instructions. In some cases, you may even get a sharpener (usually also electric) that comes with the knife.

You can also just buy an electric sharpener , preferably one that can work on both regular and serrated edges. It’s easy to use them too, as you mainly have to insert the blade between two sharpening rods that will do the work automatically.

A sharpening rod can also work, though you have to be careful. You’ll have to detach the blade, and then you run the blade up and down the rod. You’d have to do this with each serration, then you sharpen the blade from the other side.

What size fish fillet knife is best?

This depends on the size of the fish. A big fish requires a larger knife to get things done quickly. A small fish is more delicate, and thus requires a much smaller knife.

What’s The Difference Between Boning and Fillet Knives?

Though the knives are often interchangeable, strictly speaking they’re somewhat different. But the main difference is that a boning knife separates the meat from the bones, while the fillet knife separates the meat from the skin, and also the bones too.

Boning knives are thinner than most other kitchen knives, but the fillet knives for fish are even thinner. With fillet knives, the blade may sometimes curve upward. Boning knives are generally straight.

Usually, fillet knives are used for fish, to separate the meat from the skin and bones. Boning knives, as they’re thicker and sturdier, and best used for tougher meats like chicken, beef, and pork.

Can you use a regular electric knife to fillet fish?

You can, but it’s not ideal. A regular knife that isn’t meant for filleting fish won’t work as well as a fillet fish meant for this specific task. If it’s an electric knife, the results may be even worse.

Final Words

If you’re used to a regular manual fillet knife, you’ll be astonished at how the electric version is so much better. Try getting the best electric fillet knife for fish instead, and you’ll appreciate the greater ease you’ll experience when you’re filleting fish all day.