10 Best Electric Fish Fillet Knives in 2021
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Scroll down for an extensively researched list of the best fish fillet knives you can find in the market.
If you catch lots of fish and want to reduce the amount of time you spend preparing them for the table, then an electric fish fillet knife can be an outstanding tool to have on hand. This guide is designed to help you select the best electric fish fillet knife for your purposes: One that cuts smoothly, prevents waste, and offers reliable, consistent operation.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks:
American Angler PRO Series Electric Fish Fillet Knife with 8-Inch Stainless Steel Curved Blade
The 32350DS American Angler PRO Series 110-volt electric fish fillet knife is designed to offer twice the torque of competing heavy-duty electric fish fillet knives, making it easy to work even through large bones.
The drive train is designed to offer four times the lifespan of competing models, and the handset is designed to offer ergonomic comfort and safe, reliable performance.
This model comes with a single curved eight-inch freshwater blade and is compatible with all American Angler replacement blades. A two-year limited lifetime warranty is included.
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Good longevity
Cons
- Tends to heat up after a while
- Eject button is in an awkward position
This Electric Fish Fillet Knife is Ideal For:
If you tend to process a lot of freshwater fish and only need a single 8” freshwater blade, then you’ll probably like everything about the American Angler PRO – it’s powerful enough to work its way through larger fish, and it makes for quick, reliable processing.
This particular model does accommodate other blades, which you can purchase separately in the event that you need them, and purchasing components separately will save you a bit of money on your initial purchase.
American Angler PRO Professional Electric Fillet Knife with 5 Blades
The 32352DS American Angler Pro Series electric fish fillet knife offers 110 volts, plus two times the torque of competing heavy-duty electric fish knives.
The drive train offers four times the lifespan of its competitors, and a two-year limited lifetime warranty inspires confidence in the manufacturer.
Besides offering compatibility with all American Angler PRO replacement blades, this well-equipped model comes ready, willing, and able to help you get through a variety of tasks with ease: a cutting glove is included, along with five blades:
- 10” saltwater blade
- 5” curved tip blade
- 8” curved blade
- 10” heavy-duty shark blade
- 8” heavy-duty shark blade
Pros
- Strong motor powers through bigger bones
- A variety of blades for different size/species of fish
Cons
- Blade pouch isn’t the best; would be nice if it came with a case instead
- Blade installation can be a little difficult
This Knife is Ideal For:
Serious anglers who catch and process a variety of fish are certain to appreciate this electric fish fillet knife for its power, its numerous blade options, and its longevity.
If you are looking for a single knife to deal with different species, then you will probably like everything about this one. While it does cost a bit more than some other options, it offers an appealing combination of durability and versatility.
American Angler Classic Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife
Like other American Angler electric fish fillet knives, the Classic Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife is built by anglers for anglers. Designed to skin and process even tough fish species, it offers 110 volts for reliable power.
The classic handle design is meant for a combination of comfort and safety, and has been upgraded with a forced airflow ventilation system for cooler performance and less odor. It features 1.5 times the torque of competing high power electric fish fillet knives, and twice the lifespan of its competitors. This electric fillet knife is compatible with all American Angler replacement blades and is backed by a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Compatible with all American Angler replacement blades
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Top blade release button can be depressed accidentally during use
- No carrying case
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a combination of comfortable operation and reliability, then you’ll probably like this electric fish fillet knife from American Angler.
It is less powerful than knives from the company’s PRO series, but offers enough torque to process a variety of average-sized sport fish. Compatibility with the company’s replacement blades is an added bonus.
Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife
A powerful electric knife from Cuisinart, the CEK-40 is designed to make short work of a variety of kitchen tasks. Useful for more than simply filleting fresh fish, it’s a good choice for carving your roast beef or Thanksgiving turkey, and it includes a bread blade for slicing fresh-baked bread quickly and effortlessly.
An ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, and a wood butcher block storage tray gives it its own place, either in a drawer or on your countertop. The Cuisinart CEK-40 electric knife is backed by a limited three-year warranty.
Pros
- Multi-purpose kitchen tool
- Light weight
Cons
- Less power than some competitors
- Storage block takes up some space
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you’re not interested in taking your fish fillet knife out into the field, and you are looking for a knife that does multiple jobs instead of just filleting fish, then you might like the Cuisinart CEK-40 electric knife.
Happy consumers use this model for slicing beef and pork roasts, carving poultry, and more; additionally, it comes with nice extras including a bread blade and a storage board with a box.
Mister Twister MT-1208 Saltwater Piranha Electric Fish Fillet Knife
Designed for the tough task of processing saltwater fish species, the Mister Twister MT-1208 Saltwater Piranha electric fish knife makes quick work of difficult tasks. A 9” heavy duty stainless steel blade slices through tough skin and scales, and ample torque combines with speed and power to provide satisfactory results.
Pros
- Powerful enough to cut through catfish bones
- Very sharp blades
Cons
- Handle design isn’t very comfortable
- No warranty
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you tend to process saltwater fish and are not concerned about having a variety of blades, then you might like the Mister Twister MT-1208 Saltwater Piranha.
While the grip is rated as less comfortable than some other electric fish fillet knives we’ve reviewed, those who are processing an average number of fish find it satisfactory. This model also offers the advantage of being budget-friendly, coming in under the $50 mark.
Mister Twister 120V Electric Fish Fillet Knife
Sharp serrated blades and a basic design make the Mister Twister 120V Electric Fish Fillet Knife a good choice for a variety of fish processing tasks. A safety lock prevents accidents, and heavy-duty internal gears and bearings provide a good level of power and torque. Many users note that they use this knife for other tasks such as carving turkeys and hams.
Pros
- Very sharp
- Versatile design does a lot of different tasks
Cons
- Cord is pretty short
- No blade protector or case
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you aren’t looking for a variety of blades and you’d like an inexpensive electric knife that can deal with fish filleting as well as a number of other tasks around the house, then you are likely to appreciate this one from Mister Twister. This model has been popular for many years and most users like it enough to replace it with the exact same knife when its lifespan reaches an end.
Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife
The Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife features a strong motor and a pair of 7 ½” dishwasher-safe reciprocating blades. Offering twice the speed of a standard electric fillet knife, and three times as much power as some competitors, it is a reliable and popular choice.
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Reliable, works for a long time without heating up
Cons
- Less versatile than some other Rapala electric fish fillet knives
- No carrying bag; need to find something to put it in when not in use
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a good, powerful electric fish knife with a great reputation, then the Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fish Fillet Knife may be the ideal choice. Most users are extremely satisfied with its ability to power through tough fish species and deal with other tasks such as carving turkey, and many mention using the knife for extended periods of time with no problems. The price is comparable to many competitors, and it’s sure to save plenty of time and effort on your part.
Rapala RRFNSC Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife Combo
The Rapala RRFNSC Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife Combo comes with everything you need to get started, including a 6” blade and a 7 ½” blade.
Two lithium ion batteries are included, so you can charge one while working with the other; each battery provides an average of 80 minutes of run time.
A contoured handle offers safety and comfort, and an EVA padded case makes for easy, safe storage between uses. Spare blades and batteries are available for purchase.
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Batteries last a long time
Cons
- Priced a little higher than corded models
- Battery is a little hard to remove
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a good-quality cordless fish fillet knife, then you’re likely to appreciate the Rapala RRFNSC lithium ion cordless fish fillet knife combo. Two blades provide you with options for cutting different size fish, and a spare battery means you can charge one up while working with the other one.
This is an excellent choice for camping and other areas where you’d like to use an electric fish knife but don’t have immediate access to an electrical outlet, and it’s rated better than its competition. Most users are highly satisfied and report that they’d definitely make the purchase again if given the option.
Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife
The Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife offers an average of 80 minutes of run time per charge, allowing users to make their way through quite a nice catch before requiring recharging.
One sharp seven-inch blade set makes short work of even tough fish species, so you spend less time cleaning and more time fishing. Unlike lower-quality cordless fillet knives, this one offers consistent speed and torque throughout the entire battery life, so every cut is smooth and consistent.
Pros
- 80 minutes of run time on one battery
- No cord to interfere with operation
Cons
- Handle can feel slippery
- Knife comes without good operating instructions
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a basic cordless fish fillet knife at a price under $100, then you’re likely to appreciate this one. While the Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fish Fillet Knife comes with only a single battery, it offers well over an hour per charge and provides you with even, powerful cutting throughout the entire cycle.
Most users are extremely pleased and it’s worth noting that you can find extra batteries and additional blades to fit this knife if you find that you’d like more run time.
Rapala HDEFACSC Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Combo
The Rapala HDEFACSC Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Combo offers a little bit more than a basic electric fillet knife setup, thanks to two blades and a convenient fillet fork. With twice the blade speed of some of its competitors plus plenty of power delivered via a standard 8-foot electric cord, it readily works its way through an entire catch. A contoured handle provides comfort and safety.
Pros
- Fillet fork lets you work with greater confidence
- Body design provides a comfortable feel and less vibration than some other electric knives
Cons
- Blade disconnect button sometimes releases blade unintentionally
- Costs a little more than some similar knives
People who Bought This Knife Said:
- My dad this knife has been working awesome over the past two summers and winters. He uses it on walleye and perch and always comments on what a great gift it was.
- Very well made and powerful enough to cut through every fish I have cleaned. Ergonomically well made to fit the hand without fatigue.
This Knife is Ideal For:
If you spend a lot of time fishing and are in search of the best electric fish fillet knife to deal with your catch, then you’re likely to appreciate this one for its choice of blades as well as its long electric cord, which allows for easy maneuvering. Most users are impressed with the level of power that this knife delivers, mentioning that they spend a long time cleaning fish and have no problems with performance.
Key Considerations:
Electric fish fillet knives are in a class all their own. The wrong one can be an absolute nightmare to deal with, while a good one offers reliable performance, a comfortable grip, and safe, easy handling. Use the following considerations as you choose the best electric fish fillet knife for your purposes.
- Size– The bigger the fish, the bigger the blade you’ll need. Keep the average size of your catch in mind as you choose your electric fillet knife. Some models come with multiple blades, making it easy to choose the best size for each fish you fillet.
- Blade Type – Do you primarily catch freshwater or saltwater fish? Choose your fish fillet knife accordingly, or ensure that freshwater and/or saltwater blades are available for the knife you choose.
- Blade Quality – A good electric fillet knife should have quality blades, which offer the ability to make precise cuts. Poor-quality blades cause cutting mistakes and cause you to waste meat.
- Replaceable Blades – Many of the best electric fish fillet knife models come with replacement blades or at least offer the ability to replace blades when they lose sharpness. Some blades can be sharpened.
- Weight – Look for a fairly lightweight electric fish fillet knife, particularly if you tend to process a lot of fish at once. The heavier the knife, the sooner you’ll feel fatigued.
- Handle Shape – An ergonomic handle makes cutting easier and safer. Look for a model with comfortable contours.
- Power – As you make your selection, be sure that you’re choosing a model with enough power to make cutting easy. Powerful motors tend to last longer, too; the reduced strain translates to greater longevity.
- Power Source – What kind of power source can you hook up to? Is there an option to hook into a car charger, for example, or to an external battery? Or must you plug into a traditional outlet to get the job done? Your needs will be determined by your access to power sources at the locations where you clean your catch. In some cases, a cordless, battery-operated fish fillet knife might be the best choice.
With these considerations and a few others in mind, we’ve gone to great lengths to help you choose the best electric fish fillet knife for preparing your catch quickly and easily.
Electric Fish Fillet Knives vs. Standard Fish Fillet Knives: Which One Should You Choose?
Should you go for an electric fish fillet knife or a standard one? Each offers some pros and cons. The following tips may make your choice a bit easier.
- Convenience – Electric fish fillet knives work quickly and require very little in terms of effort. If you’ve got lots of fish to clean, you’ll appreciate this.
- Set up and Break down – Standard fish fillet knives win in this department. There’s nothing to put together, and the clean up process involves a simple wash in soapy water, followed by a quick dry with a soft cloth. Admittedly, it takes just a few minutes to set up and break down an electric fillet knife; not that long in the big scheme of things.
- Power Source Needed – What if you’re on a long camping trip, or what if you find yourself in a survival situation? A standard fillet knife will prove useful in such situations, but what are the odds that this will happen to you? A cordless electric knife might just do the trick, particularly one with good-quality lithium ion batteries that last for longer than an hour per charge.
Given the fact that a good-quality standard fish fillet knife tends to cost less than $50, you might opt to arm yourself with both types of knives so you’ll be ready to handle any situation. After all, why spend extra time setting up and cleaning up in situations where you’ve only caught a few fish? And, in the event you find yourself without a power source, you’ll always have a way to clean and prepare your catch.
As it turns out, both fillet knife types have their merits! Whichever you decide is the best fish fillet knife for your purposes, we wish you great luck on your next fishing trip – and your next culinary adventure, as well.
