Fish Scaler Comparison Table

Why Use a Fish Scaler

Four Types Of Fish Scalers

Choosing the Best Fish Scaler on the Market

Usage

How often do you go fishing? How often do you cook your catch after a trip? How many people do you typically feed? What types of fish do you need to descale? These are all questions that need to be considered carefully in the shopping process to help you choose the best model for you.

Fish Scaler Type

What type of scaler do you think fits your needs? Are you confident in your descaling abilities, or will you need a boost? We would typically say that handheld models are best for most people, and electrical ones are for incredibly regular fishers or cooks that need to prep large amounts of fish regularly.

Safety Features

Safety is of paramount importance in the kitchen. Read the product description and customer reviews carefully to make sure that it comes with safety features like a sheath, anti-slip grip, or other useful functions. Sometimes safety items like sheaths are sold separately, so please make sure you have everything before checking out your order.

Durability

No-one wants to repeatedly replace a valuable tool every few months or so; finding a durable and long-lasting fish scaler will save you both effort and money in the long run. Metal is lasting but can be prone to rust and corrosion if not treated and maintained carefully. Wood is eco-friendly and long-lasting but is prone to mold if not treated and cleaned regularly.

Plastic is a cheap alternative, but it is usually not eco friendly, and the construction can leave something to be desired. Read the customer reviews carefully to see how often people replace or repair your desired model to get an idea of its durability.

Ease of Use

If a new tool is difficult to use, you will not use it and will have wasted your money on it. A lightweight fish scaler that is easy to handle and comes with an easy to understand manual is the best kind to have in your home. Read the product description and customer reviews for an idea of how easy to use your preferred model is.

Clean Up

Along with being easy to use, your fish scaler should be easy to clean as well. Many modern fish scalers are dishwasher safe or able to be deconstructed for deep and easy cleaning. Think carefully about what the model is made of and check the product description; if there is no mention of it being dishwasher safe, then that typically means handwash only.

Price & Warranty

It is essential to set a budget and know exactly what you are looking for before shopping to get the best value for money. Looking online and in-store for good deals or sales on your desired model or even using a coupon or two can help ease the strain on your wallet. Getting the exact model you want for a good price can often be the icing on the cake and make you feel even better about your new tool.

1. Yamasho Brass L

Our top handheld fish scaler, the Yamasho Brass L is an effective and sharp tool that requires little effort to remove all of the fish scales you need. Amazon's choice for brass fish scalers, this beautiful and inexpensive scaler has sharp edges and a comfortable wooden handle. It is simple in terms of design, function, and maintenance, needing a simple clean and occasional mold treatment.

This particular scraper is most effective when fully submerged rather than above water, which can be a positive or a negative depending on your needs. The wooden handle could be more secure but does not stop this model from being the best handheld fish scaler.

2. Bear Paw HDEFS

The best heavy-duty electric scaler, the Bear Paw HDEFS is perfect for both commercial and at-home use. This model is both saltwater and rust-resistant and has a Teflon infused coating for added durability. Specially designed for descaling larger fish, this electric scaler has a long and flexible cord.

The Bear Paw electric fish scaler is durable, safe, and easy to clean despite not being dishwasher safe. The scaler carefully lifts the scales to prevent damage to the fillet and the skin, making for an even better meal. While all of that is great, this model is on the expensive side, and the cord can get in the way if not positioned properly.

3. Speder

Our best cheap electric fish scaler, the Speder electric fish scaler is a fully submersible model with a powerful motor and ergonomic handle. Amazon’s choice for electric fish scalers, the Speder model has a waterproof level of IPX7, and the blades are made of stainless steel.

This model is both durable and efficient; it can descale a fish in less than a minute if used correctly, making it perfect for plowing through a large scale catch or for speeding up cooking on a busy work night. Various electric fish scaler reviews note that this model's battery life is on the short side, so remember to charge this properly before you leave.

4. Tackle Factory Big Norm-Feets 88111

One of the best fish scaler tools on the market, the Big Norm-Feets fish scaler is simple to use and effective. It is both affordable and effective, making fast work of removing scales. This fish scaler tool’s design prevents scales from flying everywhere during the scaling process, making cleanup even easier and faster.

Because it is not a sharp-edged blade, this model may be a little unusual for anglers, but it is easy enough to get used to. That being said, the handle is just made of plastic, making it hard to hold or slippery when wet, which can be problematic when things get messy during the cleaning, fish scaling, and cooking process.

5. Winco FSP-9

The best scale peeler on our list, the Winco FSP-9 is a sharp all-metal peeler that is available in both single and multipack. The Winco is suitable for both home and commercial use, with its small and light construction making for easy cleaning and storage. This fish scaler tool has a sharp, compact, all-metal design that is inexpensive.

It is dishwasher safe and manual, making it perfect for taking on the go or using at home. As the entire thing is made of metal, the handle can be uncomfortable to hold for long periods, which makes it better for the occasional fish cook or fisherman who cooks for one.

6. Conimar HIC

Our pick for best aluminum handheld fish scaler, the Conimar HIC fish scaler has the most unique design of all of the fish scalers on our list. This affordable and dishwasher safe model has an appealing design and aims to scrape the scales without damaging the fish itself. The all-metal design and rounded edges mean that this is both durable and comfortable to hold.

The edges are not sharp, making it safe around children, and the hole in the all-metal handle means that it can be hung up for easy and convenient storage. To clean, simply scrub with soap and warm water or put it in the dishwasher. 

7. Open Country TD-6065-13

The top of the range drum fish scaler, the Open Country TD-6065-13 is a tumble drum automatic fish scaler, meaning that putting fish and water in a bucket and putting the scaler on top allows it to scale up to 50 fish at once with no effort from yourself. The drum has a large capacity and resists odor and mildew.

The simple roller and bucket design make this model easy to clean and dispose of any waste. While the lack of effort is wonderful, this drum fish scaler is on the expensive side and is a large piece of equipment that takes up space; this makes it less ideal for those with limited space.

How to Use a Fish Scaler Effectively

As there are a wide variety of fish scaler models on the market, we can only give general guidance and tips. Check your fish scaler’s manual or the company website for specific tips and instructions.

The above method can be used for most peeler types, with the biggest variation being in stroke length and time taken. Experiment and follow the model’s instructions carefully; speed and confidence come with practice.

Tips on Fish Cleaning

You will need:

Cleaning, Storing & Maintaining Your Fish Scaler

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How long does it take to scale fish?

The length of time taken to scale a fish depends on the tools used, your confidence, your skill, and the size of the fish in question. That being said, scaling a fish can be done anytime between 5 and 15 minutes.

What is the fastest way to remove fish scales?

The fastest way to remove fish scales is to use a fish scaler; depending on your skill and confidence, an electrical model may speed things up.

Can I cook fish with scales on?

Is it worth it to buy an automatic fish scaler?

If you regularly catch or buy a large volume of fish and cook them regularly, then we would argue that an automatic fish scaler may be a great investment. If you only cook fish occasionally, then we would recommend choosing a cheap or non-electrical model.

Which direction should I move when scaling a fish?

Always run the descaling tool from the tail up to the head using medium-length strokes. Going in the direction goes against the scales layout and gets the tools underneath the scale for easy removal.

Who can benefit most from using a fish scaler?

The people who typically benefit the most from using a fish scaler are fishermen who cook their catches regularly, commercial chefs who specialize in seafood, and home cooks with little time on their hands.

Conclusion