An electric fillet knife is a kitchen tool that makes the process of preparing food easier. It has a blade that can be pulled out of the machine, which is used for cutting through meats.
In this article, we will provide instructions for using an electric fillet knife.
We have also included some tips that will make the process of preparing fish and other food easier – let's get right into it.
Types of electric fillet knives
There are two types of electric fillet knives: manual and automatic. Manual electric fillet knives have a cord that must be plugged into an outlet to operate. With battery-operated models, you simply insert batteries into the knife handle for use as desired.
How to use a manual model
When using an electric fillet knife with a cord, set it up so that it can be plugged into an available electrical socket or extension cord on your workbench or countertop. Make sure not to place heavy items directly above the plug-in point where the power cord meets the base of the machine. The manufacturer suggests that you do not cut any type of meat with bones in them (they should be boneless already, i.e. someone has already removed the bones).
If you prefer, you can cut these types of meat with an automatic model because it does not require as much force to complete the task as a manual one does. On the other hand, if you have never used an electric fillet knife before, then using a manual one will provide more control and prevent your fingers from coming into contact with the sharp blade.
How to use an automatic model
Prepare meat or fish by washing off any surface material that may be on it. This is an important step because a lot of those particles will end up clogging up the blades. You may also wish to remove scales or fins with a simple tug (some models come with this feature already built-in). Insert batteries into their designated spots once you have removed the protective coverings.
If the fillet knife is completely assembled, then turn it on and allow it to come up to its maximum speed before cutting into any food. Prepare the surface where you are going to place your meat or fish so that no splashes of blood or other liquids will get onto your countertop or tabletop.
This is another important step because these fluids could make a mess that would be difficult to clean up. An electric fillet knife can cut through thick pieces of meat quite easily. But for more delicate foods like lobster tails, begin by slightly cutting into the flesh and then pulling away slowly with steady pressure until a piece of the shell comes off.
Safety precautions for using an electric fillet knife
DO NOT leave the electric fillet knife out while not in use.
You can accidentally cut yourself if you're careless while using this type of kitchen tool.
Make sure to use a protective glove on one hand while handling meat or fish that is being cut throughout the process.
Also, keep a good grip on the handle of the machine; don't let go until after the blade has been stored away again.
Do not touch any part of the electric fillet knife or its blades when they are still plugged into an electrical outlet or are being used.
You could receive a shock, and you will likely drop the machine if you're not holding on to it securely. If the handle of the fillet knife is too slippery, you can secure it with a rubber glove or piece of paper towel.
Cleaning and storage tips for electric fillet knives
Wipe down the machine and its handle with a damp or dry cloth once you are done using it. You can use dishwashing soap to clean other parts of an electric fillet knife, but any liquid that gets inside of the blade itself should be removed immediately (you could break your machine if you don't act quickly).
Turn on the sink's water faucet, run hot water over the area where there is still water inside of the blade, and allow it to drain until all of the drops have fallen out.
For safety reasons, do not let any part of your body come into contact with this water from a sliced fish or meat product; dispose of it immediately, and wipe the inside of the blade clean with a paper towel. If your electric fillet knife is part of a set and has been used for food products that stain easily (like seafood), then wash it immediately after use.
Extra information about using an electric fillet knife
The blades on these types of kitchen tools are typically made from stainless steel or carbon fiber materials that do not rust and are less likely to break during sharpening. While these devices are not dishwasher-safe, it is possible to clean them after use by wiping them down with a damp or dry cloth. Make sure not to let any water enter the handle of your electric fillet knife if you want it to remain in good working order for a long time.
These blades can be stored away easily, but they should always remain completely upright in their shape-holding containers so that they do not rust and lose their sharpness.
Your blades will stay sharp for a long time if you maintain them properly (using techniques such as those described above). But if you notice that the blade is beginning to get dull within 6 months, then sharpen the knife yourself; this is a process that does not require any specialized skills or tools.
How to use an electric fillet knife correctly
Always choose the appropriate blade for whatever food product you are preparing with your electric fillet knife. There is more than one blade size available on a standard model, so make sure that you use the right one every time.
If there is a protective cover over the blade of your machine, be sure to remove it before using it for the first time and when cleaning up after cooking. This cover can get in people's way while they are cutting; if this happens to you, then just take off the cover.
Utensils needed when using an electric fillet knife
The following utensils are common among most models of electric fillet knives:
- A shape-holding container (in which to store blades): This should ideally be large enough to hold all of the blades that you have for your machine (especially if they are not all the same size). The container should also stay upright when on a table or countertop. Aim for something with an airtight lid that will keep water from entering it.
- A power adapter: This allows the electric fillet knife to remain powered up so that one can prepare food. Without it, these products are just useless hunks of metal and plastic.
- A cleaning brush: You can use this small tool for scrubbing away dirt and grime on the body of your product after you have used it; keep it in a place where you won't lose track of it too easily.
The process of preparing fish and other food products
Place a shape-holding container under your blade. Decide whether you want to remove the skin or scales from whatever food product you are preparing. For example, if you will be preparing a salmon filet, then these tasks should be done before using this machine.
If desired, cut off any heads that might still be on the piece of fish. When doing this task (as well as removing tails or fins), consider how much extra weight is being added to your piece of meat when cutting it; this directly influences its cooking time later on. All parts, such as skin and bones, take up space in meat and have an impact on how long it will take for the food to cook
Start by cutting circular pockets into your fish. This not only makes it easier to hold the meat while you are working with it but also helps prevent oil from leaking out of the piece of fish.
If you are using a fillet knife to prepare salmon or other foods that have bones running through them, then use extra care when slicing open these types of pockets so that you do not accidentally poke yourself with your machine's blade (or stab yourself on a bone). The skin and bones may be tough to cut, so be careful as you work.
What is the point of an electric carving knife?
The same types of blades that are used on electric fillet knives can be found in carving knives. These products are used for cutting through larger pieces of meat and other food items so that people can prepare them to eat. An electric carving knife makes this process easier than doing it by hand since the machine uses a motor to give the user added power while cutting.
This type of knife is commonly sold at hardware stores and online markets, such as Amazon; some models even come with specific accessories (such as cleaning brushes) for better maintenance and use. If you are interested in purchasing an electric carving knife, then consider the following tips when comparing different products:
- Consider how many attachments and accessories come with each machine. The more extras you receive with a product, the easier it will be to use that tool.
- Think about how big your food pieces are going to be. A large blade can make it difficult to cut through lumps of meat or fish if they are too thick; a smaller blade will do better in this situation.
- Review what other people have said about your desired product online. By doing this, you can get an idea of how well-made specific knives actually are (and whether they break easily).
What part of the electric knife should be lubricated?
In general, if you do not maintain them regularly, there may be risks of rust when water enters your knives' hidden parts through various means and stays for long periods in humid environments.
If this kind of situation occurs, I recommend that you disassemble the blade first and wipe away any rust particles on the metal surface of the blade with sandpaper. After that, apply some oil at least once every three months or after each time clean the electric knife.
If you clean the electric knives regularly with a soft cloth and water, there will be no problems with oiling or rust forming.
Use special detergents if you want to keep them in their original condition; however, even for daily cleaning, I do not recommend using abrasive detergents as they can harm your blades. You may still experience some inconveniences when cutting food such as meat or fish with regular washing agents–it may cause slight wear on the surface of the blade.
Final thoughts on how to use an electric fillet knife
In conclusion, I hope that the above information has given you a better idea of how to properly use an electric fillet knife. It is important to take care of your machine and its blades to keep them lasting as long as possible even if you are using best fillet knife – after all you want such a knife at its best while using it, for example while you are filleting a bluegill.
A dull blade is less efficient at slicing through food, while a filthy blade may make it easier for bacteria or other impurities to get onto your product and into your body. In addition, if you are cutting fish or meat regularly with your knife, remember to wash it well after each use so that those pieces do not get stuck inside the device (making cleaning more difficult).
