If you enjoy eating fish, then getting fresh fish is your best bet for fish with a great taste. Yet often these fish will still have their scales on them. You need to remove the fish scales before they’re ready to start cooking. To make this process simple, you can use a fish scaler.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for fish scalers:
Who Needs To Use A Fish Scaler?
Anyone who wants to prepare and cook some fresh fish can use a decent fish scaler. Going fresh always tastes better than frozen. You can even go fishing and catch some fish right from the water yourself. Or you can pick up some fresh fish from your local market.
If you like to leave the skin on your fish, then you’ll need to remove the scales. This could be for fish like salmon, stripper, or snapper. If you don’t like the skin, then this process isn’t necessary. Yet, removing scales does make your cooking and filleting much easier.
How Do Fish Scalers Work?
Fish scalers work by giving a sharp and jagged edge to cut against the scales. This detaches them from the fish. Then it makes it easy to cook and consume the fish while still leaving the skin intact. Many scalers will use a sharp metal such as steel to give a nice bladed edge to remove the scales from the fish. Some scalers feature electricity with a spinning edge to make it an even quicker process.
The following YouTube video explains how to scale a fish:
How Do I Choose A Fish Scaler?
One of the most important parts of a fish scaler are the features that it provides. Without a receptacle for the scales to go into they can get everywhere. Some fish scalers feature a containment area to keep the leftover scales in one place.
Buy a fish scaler with your ideal size and cutting power. If you plan on scaling small fish, then a traditional sized scaler should work fine. Yet, if you’re scaling larger fish you may want to even consider an electric scaler.
Choose a fish scaler that is well made so it lasts. Your scaler will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Moreover, you want to make sure it will last from heavy use.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a fish scaler:
- Ensure the features are what you need.
- Buy a scaler with the ideal size and cutting power.
- Choose a fish scaler that is well made.
What Is The Best Fish Scaler?
We’ve looked at a range of fish scalers that work for cleaning fish and have selected five scalers. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the level of scale removal. We’ve reviewed these five fish scalers and listed some pros and cons for each scaler.
our #1 rated
HOUSEEN
Scale Remover
Quality
Price
Our rating
The HOUSEEN fish scaler is available in one size and color. The scaler features plastic with a steel plating for removing scales. The scaler also has a small compartment for containing the scales when scraping the fish.
Customers who purchased this scaler liked the small and handheld design. People said that the scales came right off when preparing a fish. Customers also said that the scaler collects the scales without making a mess in the kitchen.
A few customers who used this scaler for preparing fish said they did not like the plastic in the product. Some people also said the scaler smelled when they first opened it. Some customers said the knife edge was not well treated.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
VKTECH
Fish Scraping Brush
Quality
Price
Our rating
This fish scaler brush from VKTECH is available in one size and two color options to choose from. The scaler features a fish shape design for a stylish appearance. The cover design also allows for scales to stay contained, and not go everywhere when in use.
Customers who purchased this scaler said that it’s comfortable in your hand and easy to use. Many customers said that they found the scraper pleasing, and were happy with it. Other customers commented that the scales came off well when run over the fish.
People who purchased this fish scaler said its mount cover was a bit weak for some and that it may break. Others reported that the blade may not work for some tougher fish scales. A few customers also said they had difficulty snapping the cover back on.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
eTya
Stainless Steel Scaler
Quality
Price
Our rating
This fish scaler knife made by eTya is available in one size and color. The blade features stainless steel construction that’s both durable and sharp. The scraper helps remove scales from all kinds of fish.
Customers who purchased this scaler said that it’s great for cleaning the scales off of a fish. People said that the teeth blades are sharp and make the process quick and easy. Many customers said that using this scaler is a lot less messy than using a traditional knife.
A few customers who purchased this scaler found a couple of their blades to bend in the wrong direction. Some customers said they had to adjust their position depending on the fish scales. Some people also said they would’ve liked the handle to be more soft.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
OnnPnnQ
Fish Scale Remover
Quality
Price
Our rating
The OnnPnnQ fish scaler is available in one size and blue color. The scaler features an extra knife on the bottom piece of the handle. The extra blade also retracts into the handle for safe use. The scales are also contained inside a closed compartment.
Customers who purchased this scaler said the plastic was not flimsy at all. People said that it was able to clean the fish in an effective manner. Customers also commented that the metal scraper cuts well.
Other people who used this scaler said that the knife was difficult to get out of the handle holder. Customers also said that the scaper was a little dull for pulling out harder fish scales. Some customers reported that the scale holder did not click into place for them.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
PROKTH
Electric Fish Scaler
Quality
Price
Our rating
This electric fish scaler made by PROKTH is available with both US and EU plug options. The scaler features a rechargeable battery for cordless power. The scaler also has a comfortable handle and is submersible in water.
People who purchased this electric scaler said that it is very convenient. Customers said that the rotating blades remove the scales quick and easy. Customers also said that the scaler speeds up the entire process of preparing fish.
Some customers who used this scaler said that it is fast, and to wear cutproof gloves to avoid any injuries. Some customers said that it’s good for large fish, yet is not so great with smaller fish. A few people also said that the charger did not work for them after a couple months.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each scaler we’ve reviewed works for those looking to remove the scales from a fish to cook. All the scalers have decent cutting power, safe handles, and a portable size.
After comparing all the products the best fish scaler is the HOUSEEN scaler.
This fish scaler is comfortable to use and easy to shave scales off of fish. The scaler can work for small and large fish, and in a portable fashion. We also like the fact that the scaler has a container for collecting loose scales.