The 5 Best Electric Fish Scalers

This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in October of 2017. A traditional fish scaler sure comes in handy when you need to strip your dinner before cooking it, but it’s still a tedious, manual job. With one of these electric models, however, you’ll shave significant minutes off the preparation process and with a fraction of the effort. Most of these are waterproof, and several are battery operated, so you don’t have to be near a power supply. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Bear Paw Heavy Duty

With a corded design, you'll never have to worry about the Bear Paw Heavy Duty (appx. $290) running out of juice while you are preparing your meal. The tool’s head deflects the scales downward, leaving you with a mess-free work area and scale-free skin.

Highly resistant to rust
Ideal for large fish
Teflon coated for easy cleanup

2. Speder 800

The Speder 800 (about $39) has a stainless steel roller and shield that shouldn't rust even after years of use around marine environments. Since it is IPX7 rated, the entire thing can be submerged in water when it comes time to rinse it off.

Good for lefties and righties
Doesn't damage the skin
Lasts about three hours per charge

3. Bear Paw EFS

Versatile enough to handle fish of various sizes, the Bear Paw EFS (about $206) features a shield over the head to deflect the scales as they fly off. Freshwater or saltwater, bass or mahi-mahi — whatever you angle for, this tool will strip it clean.

Flexible cable for easy positioning
Includes a hanging hook for storage
Stops rotating before ripping skin

4. Open Country Tumble

A high-capacity model that’s suitable for a commercial setting, the Open Country Tumble (about $270) is capable of cleaning up to 50 small fish in roughly 20 minutes. If you want the best results — like more uniformity and consistency — just don’t load it all the way to the top.

Scales stay in the holding tank
Plastic tub doesn't hold onto odors
Can't handle fish over 12 inches

UNDER REVIEW

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5. Fashionyourlife Rechargeable

The Fashionyourlife Rechargeable (about $46) has a long-lasting, all-copper motor and a 12-volt lithium battery that gives you almost four hours of use after just 60 minutes of charging. It blade spins at 6,000 RPM, making it a quick and efficient option.

Easy to learn how to use
Backed by a one-year warranty
Not ideal for small fish

Last updated by Brett Dvoretz

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.

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