An electric fillet knife can be a huge time-saver when out fishing, allowing you to spend more time fighting the fish out on the water. Read on to know our top recommendations for the best electric fish fillet knife and where to purchase them.
I’ve been fishing for over 25 years now and while mostly catch and release fishing in freshwater, my family and I fish for food in the sea. When prepping fillets for the freezer there’s nothing better than an electric fillet knife. They follow the fishes ribcage perfectly and make the whole process a lot faster.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options then check out our recommendations from Amazon below:
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Top PickRapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fillet Knife |
| Check Today's Price |
| Budget OptionMister Twister Gent’s |
| Check Today's Price |
| Most AccessoriesAmerican Angler PRO |
| Check Today's Price |
Best Electric Fillet Knife Reviews
Don’t know where to start when buying an electric fillet knife? Here’s our round-up of the best electric knives out there for fishermen and women!
Mister Twister Gent’s Best Fish Knife
This handy, compact electric knife by Mister Twister ticks all the boxes for a fish filleting knife for anglers. You can get a good grip on it due to the contoured handle, ensuring that you can get a clean cut and preventing any dangerous slips with the knife.
The Mister Twister blades are super sharp for easy cutting and flexible for extra durability, while the motor packs enough power to cut through bones and most types of fish.
You’ll be able to fillet any fish simply and quickly with the Mister Twister fillet knife. The blades should stay sharp, no matter how often you use this Mister Twister electric knife.
The Mister Twister knife won’t break your budget, either. It’s very affordable at just under $40, making it the perfect tool for all anglers. The only drawback that this knife isn’t cordless, making it less portable. You’ll need to plug it in somewhere to use this Mister Twister knife.
Pros
- Sharp, flexible blades
- Very durable
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not a cordless fillet knife
- May struggle to cut through redfish with this knife
Rapala Heavy Duty Corded Fillet Knife Combo
Pros
- Very powerful and reliable
- Handy storage case included
- Two different length blades
- Includes a blade release system
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
- Can be tricky to change the blades
This robust, sturdy knife by Rapala is capable of filleting large quantities of fish without struggling. The blade cuts through thick skin smoothly and will save you lots of time on tougher fish, which can be hard work if you’re cutting manually.
The Rapala gets its power from an outlet that provides a reliable way to get the job done. While this isn’t the best for a boat or anything like that, when you’re back at the filleting station, this one really does get the job done.
This knife is easy to use, with a powerful motor, fast performance and comfortable handle. You won’t struggle to get a firm grip thanks to the unique design of the handle. Plus, you get a useful case to store your knife when not in use and keep it safe from splashes.
The only negative aspect of this knife is that the blade release is pretty stiff. As a result, changing the blade can be an extra hassle. Even though you get two different blades, you won’t want to keep swapping them over all the time. You’re best to choose one blade, and stick with it.
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Super strong blade
- Cleanly removes scales and skin
- The charger has a long cord
Cons
- Blade storage pouch isn’t high quality
- Inserting the blade is fiddly
- Buttons aren’t the most responsive
This American Angler Pro knife won’t let you down. It’s specially designed to meet the angler’s unique needs and super durable. American Angler has a highly respected reputation for producing only the best products for fishermen and women, and this knife’s no different.
So, what’s so special about this knife? First off, it’s got a heavy duty motor, and the blade can cut through bones smoothly. You get a range of different blades included, from a 5-inch curved-tip blade to a 10-inch heavy duty shark blade – so you’re prepared for every situation!
Plus, it’s been specially designed to stay cool, so you can keep filleting for longer.
It’s not the cheapest knife out there on the market, but it’s excellent value for money given all that’s included. When you buy the American Angler Pro knife, you’re making an investment – this knife should last you for years. If you can afford the extra cash, we recommend going for this superb fillet knife.
Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife
Pros
- Super sharp stainless steel blades
- Strong motor
- Suitable for right-handed and left-handed people
- 3-year limited warranty included
Cons
- No storage bag included
- Not specifically for filleting fish
- The blades aren’t as flexible as filleting knife blades
Although the Cuisinart CEK-40 isn’t specifically designed for filleting fish, it gets the job done. There are two blades included, one for cutting bread while the other blade is for cutting through meat. This second blade is suitable for filleting fish of all types, and the motor provides enough power to make the job easy for you.
Both blades are made from high-quality stainless steel, so they’re extra sharp and durable. However, if you cut through bone frequently, the stainless steel blades may become dull over time.
The Cuisinart is straightforward to use. Just insert your desired blade, press the button, and you’re all set. It’s not heavy, and the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold – even for long periods. Whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, you can use this knife with no problem at all.
The design is simple and sleek, with an elegant butcher’s board to store your knife on when not in use. However, there’s no storage bag included allowing you to take your knife out with you. This makes it a less obvious option if you want to use your knife on the go.
Hamilton Beach Electric Fillet Knife
Pros
- Strong, sharp, and hard-wearing
- Serving fork is an added bonus
- Useful case to store your knife
- Comfortable, with an ergonomic design
Cons
- Knife is quite noisy
- Motor can heat up if you use it for a long time
This electric knife by Hamilton Beach is highly rated and versatile. Not only is it excellent for filleting fish, but you can also use it to cut everything from bread and vegetables to meat. So, you’ll get even more use out of this knife.
The blades are super sharp and low-maintenance. You don’t need to worry about sharpening them regularly, and they are easy to clean, too. A handy serving fork is also included, making this knife ideal for carving meats like turkey and ham at big family dinners and serving straight up onto plates.
There’s even a non-slip trigger for extra safety, allowing you to keep careful control over the knife at all times.
Black & Decker EK 700 Slice Right Fillet Knife
Pros
- Quick blade-release button is handy
- Excellent safety lock
- Very comfortable to hold, even for extended use
- Stainless steel blade is dishwasher safe
Cons
- Con 1
- Con 2
While not primarily designed for anglers, this heavy duty knife by Black & Decker is ideal for filleting fish. It’s very useful, because you can also use it to carve meat. With two serrated 9-inch blades, you’ll have the power and strength to fillet fish quickly.
The blades are made from a high-quality stainless steel material that will stay sharp and offers plenty of flexibility. But with two blades, it can be harder to get that clean cut around the rib cage compared to when you’re just working with one blade.
The stainless steel blades are easy to assemble in just seconds, and there’s a locking switch to keep you safe when you’re not cutting. However, you need to hold the button down the whole time you’re using the Slice Right knife, which can be annoying.
If you’re looking for a versatile knife which is just as useful around the kitchen as for filleting fish, go for the Slice Right by Black & Decker. However, if you want a specialized fillet knife, check out our other recommendations above!
Electric or Manual Fillet Knife?
The debate over manual fillet knives vs. electric knives isn’t new. Fishers have been arguing over the options for years, ever since electric knives were patented in 1964. [1] Some people just prefer to fillet fish the good old-fashioned way, and that’s fine. Electric fillet knives aren’t for everyone.
But there’s no denying the positives they offer. You can save time and energy by using an electric fillet knife so that you can make the most of your time out on the water. However, there are some negatives to keep in mind, too.
Unless you have a rechargeable or battery-powered knife, you’ll need access to a power source. That isn’t always practical when you’re fishing, especially if you’re in a boat. The combination of water and electric tools can be dangerous, so you’ll need to take extra care if you take an electric knife out with you.
Also, you can’t be as neat with an electric knife. For example, it’s not always possible to fillet around the rib cage, so you may have to go through it first and then remove it later. If you’re an expert at filleting fish, you may find it easier (and quicker!) to use a manual knife instead. But if filleting fish is new to you, check out this helpful guide on how to fillet a fish. [2].
If you’re opting to buy a manual fillet knife, see our recommendations here for the best fillet knife.
But there’s definitely a case for using an electric fillet knife. It can make the whole process more streamlined, especially if you hate the job of cleaning out fish. So let’s get onto our guide to the best electric fillet knife products on the market!
How To Buy An Electric Fillet Knife
When you’re shopping for an electric fillet knife, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind. Here’s what to look out for to make sure you get the best electric fillet knife for your needs:
Size of the Knife
You need to match the size of your knife to the size of the fish you catch. It becomes difficult and potentially dangerous if you’re using a knife that is too small or too long. A 7-inch knife is a good all-rounder size that will be suitable for most types of fish. However, if you fish for a wide range of fish of different sizes, you may need more than one electric fillet knife for the best results.
High-Quality, Durable Design
Electric fillet knives don’t come cheap, so you want one that will last. It’s also just extra hassle to change it frequently, so don’t go for the lowest cost option on the market. Instead, compare reviews and look for a product that is sturdy and robust.
Not all steel electric fillet knives are made equally. Titanium or plain carbon steel knives will need sharpening more often, as they can’t hold that sharp edge for long. Stainless steel knives also have the advantage of being corrosion-resistant. But you need to get the balance right: If your knife is too rigid and inflexible, it may be more likely to break. You’ll also need to take care of your knife by cleaning and storing it correctly, to extend its life.
Blade Material
The material of your electric fillet knife blade is a critical factor that will affect its effectiveness and durability. Avoid cheaply-made knives and go for something constructed from tool steel or stainless steel, if possible. Plain carbon steel isn’t ideal, as it’s prone to rust.
Blade Flexibility
For electric fillet knives, it’s essential to have flexible blades. Only with a flexible blade will you be able to achieve that smooth, clean cut. You need a knife that is capable of bending to cut around the ribs and spine – a knife with no give is more likely to break.
Powerful Motor
With a manual fillet knife, it’s your manpower that allows the knife to cut through the fish. With an electric knife, you need a powerful motor that can handle any kind of fish. The more power the motor has, the easier it will be to cut through the fish. The combination of sharp blades and a robust motor will give you the strength to cut cleanly and quickly, with the power to handle larger batches of fish if necessary.
Power Source
The best electric fillet knives are rechargeable or powered by batteries, so you can use them no matter where you are. However, some knives will need to be plugged into a power source. This can be a hassle if you want to use your knife on the go. Check the cord length on the knife, too, to make sure it can reach the power source easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best knife for filleting fish?
Anglers disagree over whether manual or electric knives are best for filleting fish. Whichever type you decide to go for, there are some great products on the market.
What is the best electric knife on the market?
An electric knife needs to be sharp, flexible, and powerful. Rapala, American Angler, and Mister Twister make some of the best electric knives on the market right now. You know you’ve got a reliable product when you buy from these well-respected brands.
Can you sharpen electric fillet knife blades?
Yes, you can sharpen electric fillet knife blades (although there’s a commonly held belief that you can’t.) By sharpening your blades, they will stay sharper and more effective. You’ll get more use out of the blades and save money, as you won’t need to buy replacements so often.
The Wrap Up
So there you have the complete buyer’s guide to the best electric fillet knives for anglers. From the American Angler Pro knife to the Mister Twister, we’ve gathered together the top products out there right now. Any of our recommended knives would be ideal for taking out on your next fishing trip!
So, are you ready to save time filleting and spend more time catching fish? An electric fillet knife is an essential tool for any enthusiastic fly angler, and the right knife should last you years.
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