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An electric fillet knife can be a great alternative to a classic fillet knife. Here is an overview of what’s out there.
Electric fillet knives have become increasingly popular in recent years. On the one hand they come in handy if you process a lot of fish. On the other hand they can make your life easier even if you only fillet a fish every once in a while.
It’s one thing to fillet a trout or char but if you are into cooking saltwater fish as well, an electric fillet knife will make your life a lot easier. Everybody who has ever filleted a saltwater fish, knows it’s hard (physical) work. In this guide we want to give you an overview of the options out there. We will look at corded as well as cordless ones.
Top Choice: If you want the short cut to the best electric fish fillet knife, go for the Bubba Electric Corded – here’s why. If you want to be independent of a power source, choose its sibling, the Bubba Li-Ion Cordless – here’s why.
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
Table of Contents:
Best Electric Fillet Knife Quick Answer List
What You Should Know About Electric Fillet Knives
Best Electric Fillet Knives 2024 Reviewed
8 Best Electric Fillet Knives Quick Answer List
1. Best Overall: Bubba Corded
2. Best Manoeuvrability: Mister Twister
3. Toughest One: Rapala Heavy Duty
4. Best Versatility: Smith’s 51207 Mr. Crappie
5. Best Cordless: Bubba Li-Ion Cordless
6. Best Saltwater: Mister Twister Saltwater Piranha
7. Best Blade Options: Bass Pro Shops XPS Lithium-Ion
8. Best for Travelling: Old Timer Li-Ion Cordless Electric
What You Should Know About Electric Fillet Knives
Electric fillet knives work a little differently than traditional knives (READ OUR GUIDE ON THE BEST FILLET KNIVES HERE). Instead of a classic blade they have a rather saw like blade (or two) that is moved by a small electric engine in the handle. Of course you can use an electric fish fillet knife to cut other meat such as poultry as well.
If you are only preparing fish every once in a while you will probably be fine with a traditional fillet knife. However, as always, it comes down to personal choice. If you want to make things a little easier you should consider getting an electric filleting knife.
Safety considerations
Like with normal filleting knives it is recommendable to use a filleting glove, especially if you are new to filleting and have to get used to using sharp blades. Here is a selection:
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The best electric knives also have safety features such as a blade lock, a well-placed on/off switch and grippy handles that make sure you don’t slip while processing your catch.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded electric fillet knives tend to have more power. On the flipside they have to be plugged into the wall when you use them. Cordless knives on the other hand give you a higher level of flexibility. You can take them places where you don’t have power. Yet, you run the risk of running out of battery power.
Handle/Grip
As with any quality knife the handle/grip is an essential part of the equation. A solid grip ensures you don’t slip and dramatically increases your safety. Comfort is another aspect of a good handle. When you fillet for half an hour or hour you will enjoy an ergonomic handle.
Taking care of your knife
Most quality electric filleting knives have removable blades. In general we recommend to always clean a quality knife by hand. However, some blades – once removed from the knife – are dishwasher safe. Always make sure to check the manual before putting them in the dishwasher.
Best Electric Filet Knives
Now we want to take a look at some of the best options out there. We’ll give you our favorites for different budgets and corded ones as well as cordless electric knives.
Bubba Electric Fillet Knife Corded
Key features:
– Corded electric knife
– Fully removable blade
– Multiple blades included
Why we picked it:
The Bubba Corded is a fantastic option if you are looking for a corded knife. We found none of the other products offer the flexibility and versatility of the Bubba. The Bubba Corded features four removable blades that come in different lengths and degrees of stiffness – two more flexible blades and two stiffer ones. The great feature of the Bubba Corded is the fact that all of these blades can be stored in the case that comes with the knife. The Bubba Corded also comes with a very grippy and ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to fillet several fish in a row. A safety lock and trigger guard place an extra on security.
Pros:
– High versatility thanks to multiple blades
– Powerful blade and excellent grip
– Safety lock prevents injuries
Cons:
– Not ideal for big saltwater species
Mister Twister Electric Filleting Knife
Key features:
– Corded filled knife with single blade
– Powerful, yet not too big
– Versatile since it cuts bread and poultry as well
Why we picked it:
The Mister Twister is a fantastic entry level product if you want to explore the world of electric filleting knives. It has been in the market for almost 20 years and found many loyal users since then. The Mister Twister is a corded knife that needs to be plugged into the wall to work. Features a convenient blade release and a safety lock. The handle of the Mister Twister is not as grippy as the Bubba one for example but that’s really the only small con we found. Also cuts poultry or bread with ease.
Pros:
– Proven quality with powerful electric engine
– Small size makes it a good choice if your space is limited
Cons:
– Grip is not as secure and ergonomic as the Bubba one
Rapala Heavy Duty
Key features:
– Needs an electric plug for operation
– Big handle for big hands
– 7-1/2″ reciprocating blades
Why we picked it:
Finnish brand Rapala has a long tradition of producing high quality fillet knives at affordable prices. The Heavy Duty is no exception to this rule. Just like the Mister Twister, the Rapala Heavy Duty is a corded electric filleting knife. It features an ergonomic handle that ensures a safe grip. The blades are removable and dishwasher safe. Rapala’s long-proven system to dampen the vibrations of the electric engine make sure you can use the Rapala Heavy Duty for long periods without tiring your hand.
Pros:
– Powerful engine that helps cut even big species
– Ergonomic grip
– 8′ power cord gives freedom of movement
Cons:
– Can be difficult to grip (over a longer period of time) if you’ve got small hands
Smith’s 51207 Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic
Key features:
– Comes with a pouch and safety glove
– Multiple blades
Why we picked it:
The Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic is an excellent choice if you are looking for all the essentials to start filleting fish with an electric fillet knife. It comes with a filleting glove that provides extra safety when getting started. The Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic comes with two different blades, an 8″ stainless steel blade and a 4-1/2″ curved rib-cage blade. The storage bag comes in handy if you want to take your knife along on a trip for example. We found the Smith’s Mr. Crappie Slab-O-Matic handle very grippy and ergonomic making it comfortable to fillet fish (even multiple ones in a row).
Pros:
– Multiple blades increase versatility
– Set includes glove and storage bag
– Excellent grip even when wet
Cons:
– Power cord is a bit short
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless
Key features:
– Cordless, electric fillet knife
– Features safety lock and trigger guard
– Doesn’t need a power plug to operate
Why we picked it:
The Bubba Li-Ion Cordless is our favorite when it comes to cordless electric filleting knives. Just like its corded brother, the Bubba Li-Ion Cordless leaves nothing to be desired. The Bubba Li-Ion Cordless also features Bubba’s well-known non-slip grip handle. A trigger guard adds extra security. Just like the corded version the Bubba comes with a variety of removable blades. An LED on the handle of the knife ensures you always know when you’re running out of battery to make sure you get the job done before. Also comes with a storage case that gives you the ultimate flexibility to take your Bubba Li-Ion Cordless wherever you want to.
Pros:
– Can be operated in the wild since it’s cordless
– Multiple blades cover all situations
– Long lasting battery
Cons:
– We couldn’t find any…
Mister Twister Saltwater Piranha
Key features:
– Ideal for bigger, saltwater species
– Corded electric filet knife (needs a power plug)
– Extra powerful electric engine
Why we picked it:
If you’re often filleting saltwater species, the Mister Twister Saltwater Piranha is the way to go for you if you want to get the job done with an electric filet knife. Compared to the regular Mister Twister (see further up), the saltwater edition – called “Piranha” features 25% more torque and 15% more speed. This makes cutting through scales and flesh of stronger saltwater species easier and faster. The blades of the Mister Twister Saltwater Piranha are made from stainless steel which prevents them from rusting even if used in a marine environment (it is highly recommended of course to properly rinse and clean your knife after each use). The longer blades make it easier to fillet bigger fish with less effort and time.
Pros:
– Has the stamina to fillet even big saltwater species such as tunas
– Stainless steel blades are corrosion free
– Long blade can handle big fish
Cons:
– Grip can be a little slippery
Bass Pro Shops XPS Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Fillet Knife
Key features:
– Cordless, battery-powered fillet knife
– Multiple blades
– Comes with case for easy transport
Why we picked it:
The Bass Pro Shops XPS Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Fillet Knife is another solid choice if you want to enter the game of electric fillet knives. The great thing about this product is the fact that it comes with multiple, exchangeable blades that offer a lot of versatility. The Bass Pro Shops XPS Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Fillet Knife is also a great option if you plan on taking your knife with you on fishing trips. The 3-cell lithium ion batteries allow for a filleting process without the need to be connected to a power plug. We managed more than an hour of continuous runtime. The 6″ and 10″ standard blades with their curved tips are the right tools for slicing and filleting. The 8″ performance blade offers increased flexibility and maneuverability. We also loved the padded case which makes it very comfortable to bring the Bass Pro Shops XPS Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Fillet Knife along on any fishing trip.
Pros:
– High versatility thanks to multiple blades
– Good level of protection due to sheath and protective case
– Powerful battery
Cons:
– Does not quite live up to the power of the Bubba cordless
Old Timer Li-Ion Cordless Electric
Key features:
– Ergonomic grip
– Fully removable blades
– Easy to store thanks to protective bag
Why we picked it:
The Old Timer Li-Ion Cordless Electric is another great option if you are looking to go cordless. This knife features a blade length of 8″ which makes it a good choice if you are filleting bigger fish such as saltwater species like stripers. The ergonomic grip provides safety while operating the Old Timer. The stainless steel blade is removable which makes cleaning your Old Timer an easy task. You can neatly pack this electric fillet knife into the bag for travels. The limited lifetime warranty provides you with peace of mind in case something on the Old Timer doesn’t work as expected.
Verdict: Serious knife with a big handle built for big hands.
Pros:
– Big, solid grip
– Battery drive offers the flexibility to fillet in a place without power outlets
– Bag facilitates storage and transport
Cons:
– Comes with only a single blade
Conclusion on the Best Electric Fillet Knives
As you can see from our review of the best electric fillet knives, there is a variety of electric fillet knives out there. You can get started with around $40. If you want a high quality electric knife that will last a long time we recommend you go for the Bubba Corded. If you want the utmost in flexibility there is no way around the cordless Bubba Li-Ion Cordless.
Best Electric Fillet Knife: FAQ
Which electric filet knife is better: corded or cordless?
Corded and cordless electric fillet knives both have pros and cons. Cordless electric fillet knives have the advantage that they don’t need to be plugged into an electrical outlet since they run on (recharchable) batteries. On the downside, they are often less powerful than corded ones that get their power from being plugged into an electric outlet all the time. Cordless ones also have the advantage that you can carry them along to places where there are no power outlets. They will still work (for a certain amount of time).
Can you sharpen the blades of electric fillet knives?
Yes, absolutely. The best way to do that is to an electric sharpener that can sharpen both serrated and regular edges. Using an electric sharpener is quite easy and straightforward. Simply place the blade between the two rods of the sharpener and run it back and forth.
Which is the best electric knife?
If we had to pick one electric filet knife from our top choices, we’d go for the Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric. You can use it without an electric outlet, it still is strong enough to fillet multiple fish in a row and its grip is second to none in terms of grip and hence safety.
How do electric fillet knives differ from traditional fillet knives?
Electric fillet knives are motor-powered and feature a reciprocating blade, making them suitable for faster and more effortless filleting. Traditional knives rely on manual force.
Can electric fillet knives be used for different types of fish?
Yes, electric fillet knives are versatile and can be used for various fish species. Different blades may be available to accommodate the size and texture of different types of fish.
Are electric fillet knives suitable for beginners, or are they more for experienced users?
Electric fillet knives can be user-friendly for both beginners and experienced individuals. However, beginners may need a short learning curve to master the technique and handle.
What safety features should I look for in an electric fillet knife?
Look for safety features such as a blade release mechanism, ergonomic handle design, and a safety lock to prevent accidental activation. These features enhance user safety during operation.
Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: For this review we’ve put all kinds of electric fillet knives to the test ranging from corded ones to cordless electric fillet knives. Our goal is always the same: tell you the honest truth about each product so you can make a solid purchase decisions. We can do that because we never get paid for reviews and are proud of our editorial independence.
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