There will always be an ongoing debate between the best electric fillet knife and the manual filet knife that fishermen have depended on for years. Those on the side of the manual are just as vocal as those who prefer electric. There are some similarities between the knives as well as differences.
Similarities
Differences
Top 7 Best Electric Fillet Knife Reviews in 2023
Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife
If you need an angler’s best cordless electric fillet knife, consider the Cuisinart CEK-40 Cordless Electric Knife. The CEK-40 is a wonderful addition to any kitchen, campsite, or tackle box. The knife is powered by two 7.8-volt lithium batteries that are rechargeable and offer a convenient alternative to the manual knife.
Now a universally recognized name, Cuisinart was introduced in America in 1973. Cuisinart has operated under management from Conair Corporation since 1989 and remains at the forefront of the kitchen appliance industry. Cuisinart is committed to providing consumers with top-quality, innovative, and functional products that make their lives easier.
- A full charge provides 20 minutes of run time
- Recharges in 30 minutes
- Includes a 7.75-inch serrated knife for bread and meat
- Includes a 7.75-inch fillet knife for fruits, vegetables, and filleting fish
- The sturdy storage case protects the knife and makes it easily transportable
- Ergonomic design allows comfortable use in either hand
- Blade safety sheath for each blade
- The plastic casing is prone to cracking
Black & Decker EK 700 Electric Knife
Black & Decker has been a household name for over a century. Not only is Black & Decker known for small appliances used in the home, but also power tools and lawn care. In 1910, two entrepreneurs opened a machine shop. You can count on Black & Decker to provide you with the most innovative products for your kitchen, your garage, your yard, and your fish-cleaning table.
The Black & Decker EK Slice Right Electric Knife is one of the best electric fish fillet knives available. The two 7.75-inch blades are made of stainless steel and easily cut through meats, bread, fruits, vegetables, and fillet your catch of the day. The ergonomic handle helps to increase comfort and give you more control over the blade as you fillet.
- Safety Lock Button prevents the knife from accidentally turning on
- Blades are easy to remove with a one-touch blade release button
- Removeable blades are dishwasher safe
- Non-slip handle prevents drops while slicing
- Two 9-inch serrated blades
- May not be suitable for smaller hands
Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife
The Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife is one of the best electric fillet knives for panfish – or any other fish. This heavy-duty knife has three times the power and twice the speed of most standard fillet knives on the market.
The 8-foot power cord offers plenty of room to move around while cleaning your catch. Lauri Rapala, a Finnish fisherman, made his first lure using cork. His goal was to mimic the small, injured baitfish that he observed the big fish feeding on. In 1959, Rapala lures are introduced in the US.
Today, Rapala offers a line of quality products that covers multiple fishing tackle categories, including lures, hooks, knives, tools, storage, and accessories. With factories in Finland, Ireland, France, Estonia, and China, Rapala distributes products to over 140 countries worldwide.
- Advanced Air Flow System prevents overheating
- Quiet, heavy-duty motor
- 7 1/2 -inch reciprocating stainless steel blades – the right size for most filleting tasks
- 8-foot long power cord allows you plenty of freedom around the fillet table
- A relaxed-grip handle minimizes fatigue when filleting
- Blades are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- There can be a good amount of vibration when filleting
Berkley Electric Fillet Fishing Knife
From another well-known name in the fishing world, the Berkley Electric Fillet Knife is one of the best electric fillet knives for saltwater fish. Berkley began in 1937 with a teenage boy and $50.00 from his paper route earnings.
Using hair from the family dog and feathers from the chickens in the backyard, Berkley Bedell sat in his bedroom and created fishing flies to sell to local fishermen and tourists. From that humble beginning, Berkley became one of the most well-known names in the fishing tackle industry.
Saltwater fishing requires corrosion-resistant material to fight off the rust and corrosion associated with a saltwater environment. The Berkley Electric Fillet Knife comes with two 8-inch stainless steel blades and runs on 110 V power for maximum performance and durability.
- Blade release buttons are on the side to prevent accidental release while filleting
- Includes carrying case for maximum portability
- Corrosion-resistant 8-inch stainless steel blades
- Trigger lock to prevent knife starting when you are not expecting it
- Includes three adapters – 110V standard plug, 12V vehicle plug, and clips that attach to a battery
- The most common complaint is the power cord is not long enough
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife
For over 30 years, American Angler has provided fishermen with high-quality, durable fillet knives and accessories. They began by manufacturing bait knives, moved on to fillet knives, and introduced the first motorized fillet knife system in the 1990s.
Today, the American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife is one of the best-rated electric fillet knives by commercial, professional, and hobby fishermen. Rest easy knowing that the American Angler PRO is one of the toughest and most durable electric knives on the market.
The revolutionary design, precision engineering, and master craftsmanship provide every fisherman with the three things they desire the most in an electric fillet knife – more torque, more power, and a longer-lasting product – making it one of the best electric fillet knives for fish. Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel blades make the American Angler PRO perfect for freshwater and saltwater fish.
The blades are 8 inches long, which makes them ideal for almost any size fish, and tough enough to cut through the scales and skin of larger freshwater fish. If you have ever been lucky enough to catch a Bull Red (Red Drum), you can understand the frustration of trying to cut through the large, tough scales to get to the meat. Speaking from experience, that alone can be quite the adventure.
- The power cord is 8 feet long
- Engineered venting combined with a cooling fan to prevent the knife from overheating
- Reciprocating, 2-blade action
- Compatible with any American Angler fillet knife replacement blade
- Ergonomic handle provides comfort for fillet jobs that take a while
- The operating trigger can be difficult to squeeze
Mister Twister Piranha Knife
Whether you are a saltwater or freshwater fisherman (or both), there is one thing every fisherman needs – a fillet knife that is sharp and sturdy enough to handle your catch. The Mister Twister Piranha Knife is one of the best saltwater and freshwater electric fillet knives on the market.
Featuring 25% more torque and 15% more speed than other electric fillet knives, the Piranha easily cuts through tough scales and the thick skin of trophy freshwater or saltwater fish. Gone are the days of scaling your fish with a spoon – this fillet knife cuts right through them, eliminating that time-consuming process.
The Mister Twister Piranha Blade is one of the sharpest and strongest blades available for saltwater fish. Saltwater fish can have tougher skin than freshwater fish – and many have large scales that must be cut through. If you hook into a trophy saltwater fish and get it in, you want a fillet knife that can handle the job.
- 9-inch stainless-steel blades fillet the trophy fish as well as the smaller fish
- Expandable cord for easier maneuverability
- Tested and approved by professional fishing guides
- Easier cuts through tough skins and scales of saltwater fish
- Corrosion-resistant fixed blade
- The blade release button can be accidentally pushed while filleting
Mister Twister Fisherman Fillet Knife
The Mister Twister Electric Fisherman Fillet Knife is one of the angler’s best electric fillet knife choices. Designed specifically with the fisherman in mind, the Mister Twister has everything an avid fisherman is looking for in a fillet knife. The contoured handle fits comfortably in your hand for more control as you fillet your catch.
For over 46 years, Mister Twister has been at the forefront of the soft plastic fishing lure industry. From its humble beginnings in a small, northern Louisiana town – melting plastic in a pressure cooker and pouring into molds – to the innovative, high-quality line of fishing tackle and supplies available today, Mister Twister continues to make its mark in the fishing world.
- A lightweight handle provides better control
- Heavy-duty motor provides more power
- Extra sharp blades make filleting your fish fast and easy
- Expandable, curly power cord gives you room to move as you fillet
- High-impact motor housing protects the motor from damage
- Features a safety lock to prevent accidents
- Quick blade release for a convenient cleanup
- Overheats if you use it too long
What Makes a Good Fillet Knife
Ideally, the best electric fillet knife is one that helps you smoothly fillet fish, and often it is difficult to spot the right one. With an electric fillet knife, you don’t have to stress yourself to perfect your fish or meat filleting. By just applying slight pressure, you can get the best results. Here are some vital factors that you have to consider to get the best electric fillet knife.
Blade Quality
Many electric fillet knives come with stainless steel material, and their performance depends on their capacity. If you get a top-quality steel blade, it can serve you for several months. You can also opt for high carbon steel knives as they provide the same benefits as the stainless steel variety. Both models allow for better blade flexibility and efficiency, which helps with performance.
Durability
The durability of your electric fillet knife depends on their material make-up and their flexibility. It would help if you opted for high-grade steel that would not be corroded by saltwater. Besides, the knife has to be able to cut through bones and flesh without getting overheated.
Safety Features
It would help if you had an electric fillet knife with safety features like a locking mechanism. When you are not using the knife, you need a fillet knife that automatically locks to prevent accidents. Similarly, it would be best to have an electric fillet knife with an ergonomic handle that provides convenience and allows for smooth use.
Motor
Your electric fillet knife needs to be powered by an efficient motor. With this, the knife becomes more potent; its speed increases, and it steps-up your productivity. Before you buy an electric fillet knife, you have to check the power rating. And the power rating depends on the blade’s size. Also, you have to be sure the motor is adequately shielded and covered. A good motor helps you achieve a seamless operation.
Knife Safety Tips
Call 911 Immediately if:
Treating a Cut:
One of the most common tips for fishing safety is never to fish alone. If you do not have a friend or family member fishing with you, be sure to fish in a populated area – a pier or other area frequented by fishermen. Fish safely and fillet safely!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What Size Fish Fillet Knife Is Best?
A: All things considered, an electric fillet knife with a 6-inch blade is best suited for processing freshwater fish.
Q: Can You Sharpen an Electric Knife?
A: The thought of sharpening a fillet knife might be daunting since they’re so thin and serrated. However, they can undoubtedly be sharpened easily if you take them to a professional knife sharpener. You could also try to sharpen it yourself, but it’s going to be a bit more of a hassle.
Q: How Do You Clean an Electric Knife?
A: It’s important to clean electric fillet knives to make sure they don’t lose their quality soon. Take the blades out, and hand-wash them. Use only warm soapy water and a non-abrasive scrubber to clean them. Wipe them dry and then store them properly. If the motor housing needs cleaning, wipe it with a damp cloth.
Final Thoughts
As you can see throughout the article, some of the most important aspects of a good fillet knife are the material and length of the blade, the comfort of the handle for long filleting sessions, and the ability of the knife to run for long periods without overheating. After considering these aspects, I feel the American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife is the best electric fillet knife from this group.
One thing that sets it apart is the venting system and cooling fan. This combination allows you to fillet for long periods without worrying about the motor becoming too hot. If your cooler is full, you definitely do not want your knife to give out before you are finished. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable in your hands and gives you more control over your movements.
This results in nicer fillets and less wasted meat. The stainless steel 8-inch reciprocating blades are easy to remove and easy to clean once your job is complete. No matter which knife you select from the reviews, one of the most important aspects of using any knife – manual or electric – is safety. Always, in everything you do, safety first.
