It takes a lot of time to fillet a fish, especially if you don’t have a reliable fillet knife.
The process can get very messy and dangerous, as the longer you spend time filleting fish, the harder it would be to do it.
Hand fatigue is one thing you should look out for, as your efficiency and safety will be at risk once it happens.
Thankfully, the best electric fillet knife can help you get the job done with speed and accuracy.
Comparison Chart
Best Electric Fillet Knife Reviews
1. Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife
Rapala is one of the leading manufacturers of fishing lures and other fishing gear and accessories.
Over the years, it has consistently delivered high-quality products on the market.
Undoubtedly, this electric fillet knife is one of its best creations yet, showcasing the technology and innovation of the brand.
Product Highlights
The Rapala electric fillet knife boasts a 7.5-inch super-sharp reciprocating blade, sized just right that you can use it for filleting different kinds of fish.
As the blade moves back and forth, you can easily cut through bones and flesh, resulting in a clean cut.
The blade is big enough for trout, salmon, or walleye, but it is a perfect fit for any small- to medium-sized fish.
You will find that it has two times the blade speed and three times the power of a regular fillet knife.
With this much power, you would want to take extra care when using it.
It works just like a regular knife, but you have to turn it on by pressing the small button on the handle.
Thanks to Rapala’s airflow design, the motor remains cool and quiet throughout the session.
Equipped with a non-slip handle, you’ll have complete control over the knife.
You also get to have a fatigue-free experience with its relaxed grip.
Since it comes with an eight-foot power cord, you can move around the table easily.
Using this electric fillet knife is easy regardless of the size of your hand.
It is just the right weight at one pound and is sized appropriately at 16 by seven by three inches.
What We Like
One of the main concerns of electric fillet knives is the handle heating up quickly.
Thankfully, you won’t have that concern with this Rapala knife, as the motor remains cool even after prolonged use.
The included blade is also dishwasher-safe, so keeping it clean won’t be an issue.
What We Don’t Like
With the blade’s speed and power, you will feel excessive vibration as you use the knife.
As such, you will need a stronger grip to keep the fillet knife steady.
Pros:
- Comfortable grip
- Dishwasher safe blade
- Long power cord
Con:
- Excessive vibration
2. Bubba Corded Electric Fillet Knife
This Bubba electric fillet knife boasts exceptional convenience and functionality.
More than just a fisherman’s knife, you can use it to do other tasks in the kitchen, as well.
Its flexibility makes it one of the most sought-after fillet knives in the market.
Product Highlights
You will find many things to love about this Bubba electric fillet knife.
For one, there’s the iconic non-slip grip, giving you a firm hold on the handle so that you can operate the blade with better precision.
Since it also keeps the knife from slipping, you can have a safer experience in the kitchen.
For ease of use, the ergonomic trigger is positioned in a place where you can switch the knife on or off easily.
Plus, the trigger guard and safety lock keep you safe as you fillet.
You will also appreciate its engineered ventilation, allowing you to fully maximize the transmission output of the motor.
As a result, you can get more torque and power with every slice without fear of overheating.
Included in the purchase are four of Bubba’s famous Stiff Fillet and Tapered Flex blades.
These blades include a seven-inch and a nine-inch E-Flex and a nine-inch and a 12-inch E-Stiff.
Made of high-carbon stainless steel with titanium nitride coating, you can trust that these blades won’t rust in time.
You will also find that the eight-foot cord is long enough to go around the filleting table to give you more freedom of movement.
Lastly, your purchase comes with an EVA molded carrying case, allowing you to keep the knife safe when not in use.
At 1.11 pounds, it is quite heavier than the first electric knife we looked at, so keep that in mind when choosing.
It is also a bit bigger at 17 by 6.25 by 3.7 inches.
What We Like
What you’ll love most about this Bubba electric fillet knife is its flexibility, as it comes with four blades.
You can use a specific blade depending on the kind of fish that you would fillet.
After using it, you can remove the blade for easy cleaning and store it in its dedicated space in the carrying case.
What We Don’t Like
Even with its amazing design and additional features, Bubba failed to tackle one crucial issue: the gears on the motor.
Unfortunately, the motor can be considered below average in terms of performance and durability.
The gears may fail in just a few months or after a couple of uses.
Pros:
- Non-slip grip
- Great design
- Comes with a carrying case
Con:
- Motor gears have poor quality
3. Smith’s 51207 Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic Electric Knife
When it comes to simplicity and functionality, the Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic Electric Knife is one of our top choices.
You will find that it is also one of the most affordable electric fillet knives in the market.
If you are on a tight budget and need a fillet knife, you will find great value for money in this unit.
Product Highlights
Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic ensures your comfort even after hours of filleting.
Claiming to have the best airflow on the market, the cooling vents and handle placement guarantee prolonged use.
With its seven-inch stainless-steel blade, you can easily fillet small- to medium-sized fish and a few kinds of large fish, as well.
Aside from the seven-inch blade, it also comes with a 4 1/2-inch stainless-steel ribcage blade with a sheath to protect it from damage.
You can remove and replace the blade when necessary, allowing you to have a more personalized experience.
This design choice also means cleaning and storing this electric knife should be no problem.
The marine-grade mesh storage bag is the perfect storage for this fillet knife after cleaning.
You will also like that it comes with an XL fillet glove to protect your hands while filleting fish.
Again, at 1.71 pounds, it is heavier than the first two options we checked out.
It is also bigger, measuring in at 18.5 by 2.44 by 2.56 inches.
What We Like
The best thing about Smith’s 51207 Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic is its interchangeable blades.
There is a flexible and stiff blade included to allow you to do different filleting tasks.
Since you can remove and attach the blades at will, it is also easier to clean than its counterparts.
We also appreciate that it comes with a mesh carrying bag and a filleting glove.
What We Don’t Like
The only concern we have with the Smith’s 51207 Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic is the blades.
There might be times when it pops out of the handle, especially when you’ve been using it for a while.
The power cord is also shorter, at only six feet.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Sharp blades
- Sturdy build
Cons:
- The blade may pop out of the handle after some time
- Short power cord
4. Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife
Next is another Rapala unit, but the Deluxe boasts more advanced features compared to the first one.
Rapala never fails to amaze its customers with its functional and innovative creations.
For instance, what makes the Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife popular is the fact that you can use it just about anywhere.
Product Highlights
More than anything, this Rapala electric fillet knife’s best selling point is its versatility.
You can use it anywhere because it comes with adapters that let you plug it into any wall outlet.
It also plugs into your trolling motor battery port or a boat lighter outlet.
Regardless of where you are, you only need a stable power source, and you can start filleting your fish.
With its powerful motor, you can complete the filleting process in no time.
What’s more, it doesn’t produce any annoying noise, unlike other fillet knives with high motor power.
This particular product comes with six-inch and 7 1/2-inch reciprocating blades.
You can change the size of the blade depending on the kind of fish you’re going to fillet.
Featuring a relaxed grip body, you will never feel fatigued when filleting fish with this device.
The advanced airflow design will keep the motor cool and quiet, so you can use it for a long time without overheating.
The 18-foot power cord is the longest one we’ve seen, helping you work around the fish even if you’re outdoors.
Regardless of its feature-packed design, it still remains lightweight at just one pound.
Using it for long periods is no problem, too, because of its ergonomic size at 17 by 10 by three inches.
What We Like
The best feature of the Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife is the included adapters.
It allows you to plug your fillet knife into different power sources.
If you caught a fish in the lake, you can just plug it into a boat lighter outlet or trolling motor battery port, and you can start working on the fish.
What We Don’t Like
Although you can use it outdoors, it doesn’t provide the same motor power as when plugged in your house.
Since the power produced by outside sources is minimal, you cannot expect the same filleting power when using it outside.
Pros:
- Quiet motor
- Sharp blades
- Comes with different adapters
Con:
- Motor loses power when connected to outside sources
5. Rapala Electric Fillet Knife
The Rapala Electric Fillet Knife is a basic model that is very lightweight compared to its counterparts.
Don’t be fooled by its size, though, as it is as heavyweight as the other electric fillet knives from Rapala.
Product Highlights
The Rapala Electric Fillet Knife is a smaller and lighter model than the other two on the list.
It comes with a 7 1/2-inch reciprocating blade sharp enough to fillet small- to medium-sized fish.
Also, a stainless-steel pronged fork is included in the package to help you securely hold the fish during filleting.
With its advanced airflow design, the motor is very quiet and long-lasting.
It reduces heat build-up and prevents the handle from heating up even as you use it for a long time.
For safety, you can rely on the relaxed grip to prevent your hand from slipping.
The seven-foot power cord is long enough for you to go around the table.
What We Like
The best things about the Rapala Electric Fillet Knife are its weight and size.
It’s smaller and lighter than the other Rapala knives, which allows you to have complete control even without gripping it too hard.
What We Don’t Like
Unfortunately, you might find that the batteries are not as reliable, causing issues when it comes to charging.
After a couple of uses, the electric knife will start to slow down and will stop working completely.
When this happens, you will have to replace the battery.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to use
Con:
- Battery problems
Buyer’s Guide
If it’s your first time buying an electric fillet knife, it might be a bit challenging to figure out which one would fit your preference.
You may have specific needs when filleting fish, so you need to be very meticulous about the features.
Here is a short guide to help you find the best electric fillet knife.
1. Safety
An electric fillet knife is different from a traditional knife.
With a press of a button, the blade will move back and forth, making it more convenient for you to fillet fish.
However, it is also a safety concern, so you need to ensure that there are features that would prevent injuries from occurring.
Check for the locking mechanism on the knife, as it would prevent you from accidentally pressing the “On” button.
Also check that the power button is in a convenient area.
Check the grip of the handle and finger guard because they both provide extra security to you.
2. Blade
Electric fillet knives come with detachable and replaceable blades.
Look for a model that allows you to use different types and sizes of blades.
It is also essential that the blades can be attached and detached with ease.
You have to remember that electric fillet knives with a fixed blade will only be a waste of money.
With one, you will have to buy another unit if you want a larger or smaller blade.
It is also better to pick one that comes with extra blades so that you won’t have to buy them separately.
3. Corded or Cordless
You would find two types of electric fillet knives in the market: corded and cordless.
They both have advantages and disadvantages, so if you plan to buy an electric fillet knife, make sure that you know exactly what you need.
Corded
A corded fillet knife is a good choice if you only plan to use it in the kitchen.
You can use it anywhere, but you’ll have to make sure you have a reliable power source.
More often than not, it also has a stronger motor compared to a cordless model.
If you want to use a corded model, look for a fillet knife with a seven- to eight-inch cord.
Anything lower would make it difficult for you to move around the table to fillet the fish.
Cordless
A cordless model is the best choice if you want to fillet a fish as soon as you catch it.
If you plan to go fishing and want to cook it right away, bringing a cordless fillet knife with you makes doing that easier.
However, cordless models are not as powerful as corded fillet knives.
Often, they run via a lithium-ion battery, so the energy is very limited.
4. Handle
You should be very meticulous when it comes to the handle of your electric fillet knife.
The blade is the most crucial part, but when it comes to safety and usability, the handle is also a top priority.
For one, it should be slip-resistant, as you don’t want the knife to slip from your hands while using it.
At the same time, it should be very comfortable to hold, especially if you will use it for extended periods.
In that case, an ergonomic handle is your best bet.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Regular knives are easy to clean, but electric fillet knives are different.
You cannot wash the handle because the motor is also there.
You need to make sure that you can detach the blades easily to clean them properly.
It is also better if the knife is dishwasher-safe so you won’t have to wash it by hand.
6. Price
In any purchase, the price will always be a part of your consideration.
Although electric fillet knives are not too expensive, you will want something that offers the features you need for a reasonable price.
Most of the mid-range fillet knives cost around $100 and below.
There are more expensive models, but they are usually meant for professional chefs.
If you’re a home cook or spend a lot of time fishing, a mid-range model will already be a good option.
Fillet Knife FAQs
1. What is an electric fillet knife?
An electric fillet knife is a more advanced model than a traditional fillet knife used to cut or fillet fish with ease.
Instead of manually cutting through fish, it has a blade that moves back and forth to make the process easier, faster, and more precise.
This type of knife comes with a motor and a detachable blade.
You can change the blade depending on your preference, and you can remove it for easy cleaning.
In most cases, you can also use it as a regular fillet knife, as it will only turn on if you press the power button on the handle.
2. Is electric fillet knife worth it?
Yes, having an electric fillet knife will help you save a lot of time and effort.
Manually filleting a fish takes a lot of time, especially if you are not yet proficient in using this type of knife.
With an electric model, you can do it easily without wasting a lot of time.
It is definitely more expensive than a regular fillet knife, but you will find that it is totally worth it if you master how to use it.
3. What size fish fillet knife is best?
Fillet knives don’t have to be too long or too short.
The most convenient size of the blade would be seven to eight inches.
With a blade this size, you can fillet small- to medium-sized fish as well as use it for some kinds of larger fish.
4. How do you sharpen an electric knife blade?
Sharpening an electric knife is pretty similar to sharpening a regular knife.
You simply need to remove the blade and sharpen it.
Make sure that you use a cloth to hold the other end of the blade while sharpening so as not to hurt your hand.
5. Can you use a regular electric knife to fillet fish?
You can use a regular electric knife to fillet fish, but it is still better to do it with a fillet knife.
The blade of a fillet knife is different from a regular knife, as it is made specifically for that purpose.
You can use a regular knife if you want, but it would take time to finish filleting a single fish.
With a fillet knife, you can do this task more efficiently.
Conclusion
If we are to choose just one, we’ll go for the Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife.
It is more versatile than the other fillet knives on the list, and you can use it indoors or outdoors.
With its adapters, you can bring it with you during fishing trips and find a good enough power source to use it.
