Fillet knives are thin, flexible knives that carve meat and fish from the bone. They have fine points for penetrating delicate flesh with precision, so you can position the blade for a smooth, even cut.
But filleting without waste is a skill that takes years to hone. And it’s hard work if you prepare large volumes of food.
Let us show you how to make it easier with one of our recommended electric fillet knives.
Our recommendations for Best Electric Fillet Knife:
- Best Cordless Option: BUBBA Electric Fillet Knife
- Best for Fish: Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife
- Premium Choice: American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife Kit
- Budget Pick: Mister Twister Electric Knife
- Great for Camping: Rapala Deluxe AC/DC Electric Fillet Knife
Advantages of Electric Fillet Knives
Every small appliance has a purpose, but only a few are versatile enough to be worth your money.
Here’s why electric fillet knives are great in the kitchen as well as on camping trips:
Convenient: Filleting is an art. It’s tough on your hand and requires finesse that few of us have because we don’t do it regularly. But electric filleting knives have an advantage. The motor does the work with less pressure applied to the blade, giving you clean cuts with less waste.
Fast: After a long day on the water, why spend an hour filleting dinner? An electric knife prepares a fish fry for the whole family before the coleslaw is even chilled. They are especially useful when you have a large amount of fish or meat to cut.
Versatile: From cleaning fish to trimming roasts, electric filleting knives do it all. Cut thick, even slices for perfect pan-frying or trim paper-thin wisps of meat off the bone for a mile-high deli-style sandwich. You’ll eat more and waste less. Better knives can even cut fish or meat that is frozen for a savory, impromptu meal.
This video shows you how easy and fast it is to fillet a fish with an electric knife:
Best Electric Fillet Knives Reviewed
From hundreds of options available on the market, we chose the 5 best electric knives from different price classes.
Whether you are a pro looking for the finest product or a beginner who wants a budget-friendly option, you can find something suitable here.
Best Cordless Option: BUBBA Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
Fillet fish like a pro with this cordless electric knife from Bubba. Ready for your next big catch, it’s the perfect tool for quick meal prep.
The cordless operation makes using the knife very convenient. No need for extension cords and you can also bring it along for camping and hiking trips.
Specifications:
- Type: Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
- Battery: 2 x Li-Ion Battery
- Blade Material: Titanium-Coated Stainless Steel
- Blades Included: 7” E-FLEX, 9” E-FLEX, 9” E-STIFF and 12” E-STIFF
Ideal for small, medium, and large fish, the ergonomic, non-slip handle fits your hand like a glove. It comes with 4 high carbon stainless steel blades that glide through meats effortlessly. They’re double-riveted for strength and removable for easy cleaning.
The titanium-coated non-stick blades are exceptionally corrosion-resistant, a plus for the saltwater fisherman.
Trigger-operated, battery time is the longest in the business. Fillet a hundred fish or more on a single charge. The kit comes with two lithium-ion batteries and a USB charging cord. You’ll never be tied down to an outlet again.
Safety features include a trigger lock and guard that protect your fingers from cuts. The package comes complete with the knife, blades, batteries, and charger, neatly packaged in an EVA-molded case that offers excellent protection for blade tips.
The price is worth mentioning — it’s a bit steep. But among similar models, it’s more powerful and better refined for fatigue-free filleting. If you get what you pay for, you’re getting more than your money’s worth with the Bubba.
What We Love
- Use anywhere without need for electric plug
- Comes with 4 durable blades
- Includes 2 batteries
- Versatile — cuts anything from fish and brisket to ham and bread
What We Don’t
- Quite pricey
Best for Fish: Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife
Rapala’s heavy-duty fillet knife is a pint-sized powerhouse. Made of the highest-quality materials, it makes quick work of the toughest-to-fillet fish with twice the speed and three times the power of similar models.
This knife powers through thick scales, backbones, and ribs. Hold onto your hat.
Specifications:
- Type: Corded Electric Fillet Knife
- Power Source: 110V Outlet
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blades Included: 7 1/2″ Blade
Didn’t catch any fish today? No problem — it’ll slice through a roast, too. Even frozen meats are no match for the motor. It’s a versatile choice for the boat, campground, or kitchen.
The knife comes with a single, 7.5-inch reciprocating blade. Dishwasher-safe, it disassembles quickly for cleaning. The push button-operated handle features an ergonomic grip that feels stable in your hand. The flexible 8-foot cord is long enough for working comfortably around the fillet table.
What’s not to like? For the inexperienced user, a tool this powerful without a safety guard is risky. The motor is single-speed, so there’s no option to slow it down. Take your time and be safe.
An extra blade and a carrying case would have been nice perks, but we can’t ask for more for the price. It’s an excellent value.
What We Love
- Powerful motor and fast cutting speed
- Durable and sturdy built
- Ergonomic handle
- Long power cord
What We Don’t
- Might be even too powerful and fast for inexperienced users
- No safety guard
Premium Choice: American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Kit
The American Angler Pro is trusted by more sportsmen and commercial anglers than any other brand. Made for fishermen by fishermen, it makes quick work of filleting large hauls.
Specifications:
- Type: Corded Electric Fillet Knife
- Power Source: 110V Outlet
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blades Included: 10″ Saltwater, 5.5″ Curved Tip, 8″ Curved Tip, 10″ Heavy Duty Shark Blade and 8″ Heavy Duty Shark Blade
The powerful motor delivers twice the torque of bargain brands for smooth, consistent cutting action through the thickest bone. 8-inch heavy-duty blades are strong and durable yet flexible enough for ultimate maneuverability. Kits come with 5 blades for maximum cutting precision on all types of freshwater and ocean fish.
The ergonomic handle reduces stress on the hand and wrist for hours of filleting comfort. The advanced airflow design keeps the motor cool so that it doesn’t overheat. American Angler backs this knife with a 2-year warranty — twice the national average. They’re confident in their products.
You’ll do a double-take over the price. But few filleting knives offer this much power plus an enviable accessory package, including American Angler’s legendary “shark” blade, a carrying pouch, and a cut-proof glove. If you’re a pro, it’s the only knife you need.
What We Love
- Includes 5 blades for different types of fish
- Powerful and durable
- The motor stays cool even when used for hours
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
What We Don’t
- Expensive
Budget Pick: Mister Twister Electric Knife
A name synonymous with fishing, Mister Twister is back with its latest and most powerful fillet knife ever. Budget-friendly and bold with the same neon green and yellow handle, it’s already a classic.
Specifications:
- Type: Corded Electric Fillet Knife
- Power Source: 110V Outlet
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blades Included: 7″ Blade
Featuring 30-percent more power and 50-percent more torque than previous models, the simple, versatile design is a favorite among no-frill sportsmen. It comes with a single, detachable blade for filleting trout to prime rib, cooked, frozen, or raw. Cords are coiled and won’t tangle.
The comfortable handle features a trigger with a safety lock. We’d like the blade guard to be a little wider for larger hands, and as always, a case or pouch is always handy. But for less than the price of a fish and chip dinner, it’s affordable enough to buy one for the kitchen and another for the road.
What We Love
- Improved model with more power and torque
- Durable built
- Excellent value for money
What We Don’t
- May overheat if used for a long time
- The blade guard could be wider
Great for Camping: Rapala Deluxe AC/DC Electric Fillet Knife
Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast, Rapala’s deluxe filleting knife plugs into an AC outlet, a trolling motor battery, or your car’s lighter. Its fierce motor makes easy work of any filleting chore.
Specifications:
- Type: Corded Electric Fillet Knife
- Power Source: 110V AC or 12V (Post Clips & Lighter Plug)
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blades Included: 6″ and 7 1/2″ Blades
Knives come with 6- and 7.5-inch detachable reciprocating blades. This latest version comes with a lightweight, 18-foot power cord for car-side convenience. It operates quietly in low-noise areas, so go ahead and enjoy an early morning catch for breakfast — your fellow campers won’t mind.
The relaxed-grip handle is a pleasure to hold. Well-ventilated, it stays cool in your hand. Blades release with the push of a button for quick cleaning.
The kit comes complete with 12-volt post clips, a 110-volt AC adapter for use with a generator or wall outlet, and a 12-volt lighter plus a durable carry case. Budget-friendly for home or travel, it’s ready wherever and whenever you are.
What We Love
- Works with various power sources
- Quiet operation
- Affordable
What We Don’t
- The included carry box could be bigger
Buying Guide for Electric Fillet Knives
Features can make or break an electric fillet knife. Consider these carefully before you buy.
Corded or Cordless?
Corded fillet knives are lighter and more powerful than battery-operated models, but cords can be cumbersome and limiting. The cord should be lightweight and long enough to reach from the outlet to the table or counter where you’ll use it the most. Models compatible with more than one power source are a plus for travel.
Cordless fillet knives are convenient and portable, but they’re also heavier because of the battery pack. Power tends to wane as the battery runs low, so we recommend having a fully charged backup ready to go. Select batteries with a track record for long-lasting performance.
Blade
Fillet knife blades are reciprocating — they’re a two-blade set that works in tandem as a single cutting unit. Made of durable stainless steel, they provide years of reliable service.
Coatings such as titanium improve their corrosion resistance. Carbon steel is harder and a more durable choice for heavy-duty or commercial applications.
Detachable blades are standard for any electric knife worth its salt. Advanced filleting skills require blade changes for different types and sizes of fish. And since motors aren’t submersible, removing the blades makes cleaning easier and safer.
Most electric knives come with at least one blade — a 7.5-inch length is ideal for most purposes. But a flexible 6-inch blade offers more control when filleting small fish like crappie. A longer 9-inch length is better for pike or salmon.
For the occasional user, having a single, “all-around” blade is adequate. But as your skills evolve, you may want the benefits that different sizes and shapes offer. If the knife you want doesn’t come with more than one blade, make sure affordable alternatives are available for purchase separately.
Motor Power and Cutting Speed
Most electric fillet knives have single-speed, 110- or 120-volt motors, but there are significant differences in speed and power. It comes down to the quality of the components and the load on the motor.
Faster knives make cleaner cuts and process larger volumes more efficiently. Slower models are easier to handle for the first-time user, offering greater control. Non-commercial models are rarely variable speed.
Handle
Like any cutting tool, an electric fillet knife should have a comfortable, ergonomic handle that offers a secure grip. If it feels unwieldy or slippery, it will be tough to control.
Look for a gently curved, textured grip that feels comfortable in your hand.
Durability and Safety
Electric fillet knives are generally durable, but the quality of the material matters. Models made with flimsy plastics and sub-par blades are cheaper, but they don’t last as long, and performance declines after a few uses.
We recommend strong, impact-resistant materials. Well-ventilated handles, or so-called airflow designs, help keep the motor cool and contribute it its longevity.
Safety features to look for include a trigger lock that prevents the knife from being turned on — a helpful feature with kids in the house — and a blade guard at the end of the handle that protects your fingers from the blade if you lose your grip.
I hope this guide helped you with choosing an electric fillet knife that’s perfect for your needs!
-Joonas
PS. If you like grilling and smoking, I recommend that you also check out our guide with the best BBQ knife sets.
