Last Updated on October 15, 2021 by Boniface Muriuki
While fish filleting may appear like a straightforward process, it can get messy and frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with large volumes. As such, it is a no-brainer that you need to invest in the best electric fillet knife to get precise cuttings at a lesser time.
Electric knives can be corded, cordless, battery-operated, or manual. This diversity can throw you into confusion when shopping for one. However, we, without a doubt, recommend an electric fillet knife.
This knife will result in higher precision cutting, increased speed, and an overall better fish filleting experience. This article evaluates the features you should look out for when shopping for the best electric fillet knife to make filleting fun. Read on.
If you’re in a hurry, then here is a summary of the three best electric fillet knife you should consider:
Best Electric Fillet Knife Kit – American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Sportsmen’s Kit
Best Cordless Electric Fillet Knife – Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
Best Corded Electric Fillet Knife – Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Grey/Black, 7 1/2″ Blade
What is a Fillet Knife?
A fillet/filleting knife is a specialized kitchen knife used for fish filleting. It has unique features that make it ideal for removing bones and skin from the fish.
Contrary to common beliefs, there is a slight difference between a fillet knife and a boning knife. While these two gadgets have functions that overlap, their anatomy is different.
For example, fillet knives are thinner and more flexible than boning knives. This feature allows you to get precise cuttings for delicate meat, such as fish.
Additionally, boning knives have straighter blades specially designed to cut hard meat such as pork, mutton, and beef.
What is an Electric Fillet Knife?
An electric fillet knife is a motorized traditional fillet knife. It has similar features to a manual or battery-operated fillet knife.
The thin blade is mounted on a motorized handle, making the filleting process more effortless and fun.
Unlike the traditional fillet knife, an electric knife will offer convenience, speed, and precision. It is the best option for professional filleting, where you’re required to fillet many fishes with unmatched precision. The two main types of fillet knife are:
- Corded Electric Fillet Knife. This knife has a cord that supplies power to the blade. When shopping for a corded knife, you should ensure that the cord is long enough for flexibility and efficacy.
- Cordless Electric Fillet Knife. Cordless knives use Li-Ion batteries. These batteries store sufficient power to undertake quite some filleting work. Fortunately, most knife batteries are rechargeable, and you’ll not be required to replace them often.
Best Electric Fish Fillet Knife – Comparison
| Image | Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Sportsmen's Kit | -Item Dimensions: LxWxH 14 x 5.5 x 3.75 inches -Item Weight: 3 Pounds -Blade Material: Stainless Steel -Blade Shape: Straight Back |
 | Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife | -8.5” handle length and weighs 1.11 pounds -Non-slip grip handle -Blades are removable for easy cleaning |
 | Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife AC/DC | -Relaxed Grip Body -Includes Adapters for 110V AC, 12V Post Clips & 12V Lighter Plug -Advanced Air Flow Design -Quiet Long-Lasting Motor -18 Foot Power Cord |
 | American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife | -Item Dimensions: LxWxH 14 x 5.5 x 3.75 inches -Item Weight: 2.6 Pounds -Blade Material: Stainless Steel -Blade Shape: Straight Back -Blade Edge: Serrated -Blade Length: 8 Inches |
 | Mister Twister 120V Electric Knife (Four Pack) | -Legendary Mister -Twister action -Features 120V AC -Features a -Convenient blade release -Features a safety lock |
Best Electric Fish Fillet Knife – 6 Best
1. American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Sportsmen’s Kit
If you want to fillet your fish like a pro, you should always consider investing in a set of electric fillet knives. The set offers a versatility advantage since it comes with differently-sized fillet knives to enable you to fillet fishes of different sizes.
The American Angler PRO professional-grade electric fillet knife kit includes five different blades:
- (1) 10″ Saltwater Blade
- (1) 5.5″ Curved Tip Blade Replacement
- (1) 8″ Curved Tip Blade Replacement
- (1) 10″ Heavy Duty Shark Blade Replacement
- (1) 8″ Heavy Duty Shark Blade Replacement
The primary knife comes with a 10-inch replaceable blade. The other four blades are of different sizes, and you can insert them into the knife’s handle without a hassle. This convenience gives you the liberty to select the exact knife you need for your filleting escapades, making it fun and straightforward.
Additionally, the PRO series motor has twice as much torque as other electric knives, allowing you to go past all bones without breaking a sweat. It is designed with an advanced airflow system that keeps your knives cool even after hours of continuous use. This way, you will never struggle with overheating, which would otherwise lead to an uncomfortable grip.
As proof of its durability, the American Angler Kit comes with a 2-year limited warranty, with hassle-free replacement in case of defects occasioned by manufacturer’s omissions.
2. Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
If you’re looking for a cordless electric fillet knife, you should get the Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife. The knife is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries, allowing you to fillet your fish from a location of your choice.
It has an LED indicator to show the power remaining on each battery. You can clean and fillet over 90 crappies without the need for recharging!
This knife is particularly essential for individuals who love outdoor cooking. You can also go fishing and fillet your catch at the rivers’ shores, giving you an exhilarating experience.
The Bubba electric knife’s handle is non-slip and highly ergonomic, guaranteeing comfort even when using the knife for long hours. The Bubba kit includes:
- 7″ E-FLEX
- 9″ E-FLEX
- 9″ E-STIFF
- 12″ E-STIFF blades
- Wall charger
- (2) lithium-ion batteries
- A premium EVA case for storage and transport
The size of the Bubba Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Knife is ideal. The handle is medium-sized, allowing you to comfortably handle your fish and cut through them with unmatched ease. It is engineered with excellent ventilation systems to maximize motor transmissions, thus giving the best torque.
Additionally, all the knife blades are constructed using high-carbon stainless steel coated with titanium nitride, making them corrosion resistant. You will use them in a moist environment, but they will not rust.
Other features that make the Bubba Cordless Electric Fillet Knife stand out include:
- It features a safety lock and trigger guard to offer security
- It comes with a premium EVA molded storage case
- A battery life indicator
- Easy to clean
If you love filleting your fish immediately after you catch them, you should consider this cordless option. All you’ll need is to charge the two lithium-ion batteries, and you’ll clean many fishes without the worry of running out of power!
3. Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife AC/DC
The Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet knife is a highly versatile set. It allows you to use both AC and DC. However, this knife is especially ideal for fish filleting alone!
If you try other meat types such as turkey, you’re likely to be disappointed. Its power is not enough to cut tough meat.
The Rapala knife has a quiet motor designed with an advanced airflow system, making it fast and convenient. It comes as a set that includes:
- Adapters for 110V AC, 12V Post Clips & 12V Lighter Plug
- 6″ And 7-1/2″ Reciprocating blades
- 18-foot power cord
You can plug the adapters into a wall outlet that connects the trolling motor battery posts. Alternatively, you can plug the adapters into a car, motorcycle, or boat lighter outlet to gain full filleting power.
For convenience, this set comes with an ergonomic blow-molded plastic storage case for ease of transportation. It also features a relaxed grip body complete with an advanced airflow design to ensure a quiet and unforgettable filleting experience.
4. American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife
If you want a single fillet knife, you can opt for this American Angler PRO fillet knife. It has lots of torque to enable you to clean as many fish as you can. Even better, its handles are ergonomically designed to offer a firm and comfortable grip.
The knife features an advanced airflow design that ensures that the handles remain relatively cool, even after hours of continuous filleting.
Additionally, this PRO series is compatible with all the American Angler replacement blades’ variations, including the 8-inch curved replacement shark blade and the 8-inch curved replacement blade (31018DS). A 2-year limited warranty backs it.
5. Mister Twister 120V Electric Knife (Four Pack)
Mister Twister 120V is a versatile knife set that is hardy enough to perform other tasks besides fish filleting. It is one of the easiest knives to use and has a convenient blade release system.
It has a safety lock and features 120V AC, enough to clean and fillet many fishes without any damage.
6. Berkley Electric Fillet Fishing Knife
This electric fillet knife measures 13.5 x 9 x 3.25 inches and weighs 2 pounds. These dimensions are ideal, as the knife is lightweight and offers a comfortable grip necessary for long filleting hours.
The knife package includes:
- 110-volt standard plug
- 12-volt vehicle plug
- Battery clips
- Carrying case
Its 6 inches and 8 inches blades are made of stainless steel material resistant to corrosion and rust. As such, you can use the knife in a moist environment without the worry of reducing its longevity.
Additionally, the knife comes with side release buttons strategically designed to prevent accidental blade release when filleting. This feature protects you from accidents that may result in cuts and bruises.
This knife is relatively low-powered. Do not buy it if you fillet large fish volumes frequently. We found the power too low after filleting just about ten fish!
Besides the low power, the knife is ergonomic and fun to use. It is easy to replace the blades when they become dull.
Best Electric Fillet Knife Buying Guide
Before you settle for your ideal fillet knife, you should ensure that it offers the following:
- Convenience
- Precision
- Speed
To get these out of your knife, you should ensure that it is designed uniquely with filleting in mind. Don’t go for just any general knife – you will be frustrated!
Features of the Best Electric Fillet Knife
Blade’s Flexibility
This is the most crucial consideration you should make when purchasing a fillet knife. It would help if you chose a knife with a thin, flexible, and durable blade. It should also be long enough to match the length of an average fish.
These features are the best for cutting precise fish pieces. Such a knife will ease the filleting and enable you to fillet many fishes without a hassle.
Material Used in Blade Construction
The material utilized in the construction of your blade will directly affect its flexibility, durability, and versatility.
The blades can be made from different materials, including stainless steel and chromium-enriched stainless steel.
On this factor, we recommend that you settle for a high-quality chromium stainless steel blade (9Cr steel) since they are flexible, corrosion-resistant, and hardy. Even when exposed to the wet filleting environment, these knives will neither get tarnished nor rust.
Additionally, chromium-rich stainless steel blades have exceptional edge retention, eliminating the need to sharpen them regularly. It would also help to have a mirror-polished knife for added protection and ease of cleaning.
Blade Shape and Length
Fillet knives have different shapes and lengths, all of which affect their functionality. We recommend that you buy a full tang blade (the blade runs the entire handle’s length).
Full tang knives will offer a better balance. It guarantees stability, effortless control, and strength.
The best size of a fillet knife will depend entirely on your needs. Fillet knives come in lengths ranging from 4 inches to 10 inches. This diversity allows you to choose a blade length that matches your catch.
Short blades are best for small fish species, such as sunfish and crappies. 6-8 inches fillet knives are best for medium-sized fish species, including trout. The knives on the upper spectrum are ideal for larger fishes, such as pike, salmon, and most saltwater species.
If you fish regularly, we advise that you buy differently sized fillet knives. For example, you can have 4 inches, 6 inches, and 9 inches set. The set of knives you own will depend on the size of fish species you handle often.
Ease of Use
Your best electric fillet knife should be flexible. The blade should flex under slight pressure, making it easy to remove the skin and cut into the soft fish meat.
If you choose a flexible knife, you will easily follow contours when skinning, boning, and trimming fins. The ability to bend is crucial, and is determined by the thickness of the blade.
The thicker it is, the stiffer it will be. The best knife should bend at least an inch either way when pressed on a hard surface. This way, you’ll be guaranteed high-precision cuts.
Blade’s Thickness
The thickness of the blade will determine its flexibility. The longer the blade, the thicker it is likely to be. As such, shorter knives will be thinner and more flexible than longer knives.
The more flexible the knife is, the easier it will be to remove bones and skin from the fish. As such, you cannot compromise on your fillet knife’s ability to bend!
Ideal fillet knives are 2.5 to 3.5 mm wide at the spine. The thinness allows the knife to maintain its sharpness and achieve the flexibility required to remove skin and work around the highly intricate rib bones.
Bevel Type
Bevel refers to the surface of your knife that has been ground to form the edge. It can either be a single bevel (one-sided edge) or a double bevel (you can see an inclination angle on both sides of the knife).
The best electric fillet knife should have a longer bevel than your standard knife. It ranges from 12 to 17 degrees of inclination, which gives the knife a razor-sharp edge. This construction also ensures that you get a sharp point necessary for puncturing, with much ease.
While this bevel angle is the best for filleting, it sacrifices durability. The thin blade will be prone to chips and breakage, especially when you accidentally hit a bone using excessive force.
Ergonomic Handle
This is a critical security feature to consider when buying your best electric fillet knife. The knife is primarily used in wet environments. As such, the knife’s handle should offer a firm grip to prevent slipping off the hand.
Some of the most common materials used for the construction of handles include wood, rubber, and plastic. Whichever handle you choose, always ensure that you can hold the knife comfortably and that your hand can’t slide towards the edge. One of the best shapes for your handle is an elongated teardrop shape complete with an indention near the blade’s base.
Best Electric Fillet Knife – The Bottom Line
I would rather spend long hours fishing than cleaning the fish! The cleaning and filleting exercise can be messy and cumbersome! It becomes especially frustrating when you are using an ordinary knife with no modifications to ease fish cutting.
If you want to enjoy fish cleaning and filleting, you have no option but to invest in the best electric fillet knife. However, there are a plethora of fillet knives available in the market. As such, deciding on which suits your needs best can be a hassle!
If you’ve found yourself in a dilemma selecting the best electric fillet knife, then this guide is for you. We have included proven techniques to ease your shopping experience. Additionally, we have incorporated a list of the best electric fillet knives – based on personal experience.
Best Electric Fillet Knife – FAQs
Which is the best electric fillet knife in the market?
There are many electric fillet knives in the market, and the one you choose depends on your needs and preferences. Having tested more than six sets of fillet knives, we can authoritatively recommend the American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Sportsmen’s Kit. The set has replaceable blades, ergonomic design, and overall top-notch performance.
What size fish fillet knife is the best
The best electric fillet knife depends on the size of the fish you’re filleting. Longer fish will require more than 8-inches blades, while freshwater fish may require a 6-inch fillet knife.
Which are the best features of a fillet knife?
The best electric fillet knife should be flexible, ergonomic, and safe to use. It should have skinny blades to enable you to maneuver through bones and remove fish skin fast.
Which is the best steel for fillet knives?
Fillet knives work in moist environments. As such, the material used in construction should be resistant to corrosion and rust. The best stainless steel for use in fillet knives is high-carbon stainless steel coated with titanium nitride. This material is hard enough to withstand a moist and messy environment.
Chef Boniface is a graduate in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education, New York. He has worked in several restaurants and is currently the Head Chef at Cavali Restaurant.
He has excelled in developing unique recipes and influencing the menu at the restaurant. He prides himself in sharing his knowledge at thekitchenpot.com where he writes about the best cookware for various recipes.