As a recreational angler, fishing may be one of your favorite outdoor activity. But what about the less fun part of scaling it and preparing it for cooking? Do you get tired of scaling a number of fish and find it a time-consuming activity?
Well you don’t need to worry about it as we have reviewed some of the best fish scalers for you so that you can easily prepare your fish for cooking.
Quick Overview – Best Fish Scaler
- The Best All Around Fish Scaler: Comfecto Fish Scaler Remover
- Best Value Fish Scaler: Lxnoap Remover, Amison Fish Scraper
- Best Lightweight: GiniHome Fish Scaler Brush
- Best Safety: Gnker Fish Scaler Skin Brush
Quick Comparison – Best Fish Scalers
Buying Guide
If you have tried scraping fish with a knife then you might know how inconvenient the process is and also there is always the risk of getting your hand cut. Having a fish scraper solves this problem as they are uniquely built to scrape off the tough scales with ease and comfort. They come with sawtooth or ridged metal edges that help in lifting or pulling the scales away.
Fish scalers are generally made of stainless steel, wood or plastic and are great for people who eat fish regularly as it makes scaling super easy and saves your time and effort.
So, read on to get the hang of the features that you can look out for as you are looking for a new fish scaler for your kitchen.
Type
Generally, fish scalers are available in two varieties, the hand held scalers that you operate manually and the electric scalers. The hand held scalers work best for majority of the people out there as they are simple and easy to operate.
The electric ones are good for people who prep lot of fish on a regular basis. The electric ones are more expensive than regular scrapers that cost just a few dollars.
So, based on your requirements you can choose an electric or manual scaler.
Safety
Another important thing to look out for in a fish scraper is whether it is safe to use. Go through the customer reviews and product description to know if the scaler has an ergonomic design and whether it has a strong grip, and any other feature that the manufacturer has incorporated to make the product safe for use in your kitchen.
Though you may get used to operating a scaler, it should be such that it is also convenient and safe to use for anyone else if required.
Durability
Look out for features such as money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty that will ensure that you don’t have to spend on any other scraper anytime soon. Stainless steel models are generally more durable as compared to wood and plastic. However, they may rust if not maintained properly.
Wood is also a good material buy may develop mold in the long run and has to be cleaned properly. So, go through customer reviews to know which models last long as it will save you both money and effort.
Cleaning
The conventional scrapers would make a mess as the scales would fly off everywhere. However, modern designs have covers that collect the scales so that the process of scraping is convenient and hassle free.
Moreover, many scalers have removable parts that can be cleaned easily and some are also dishwasher safe. So, to save any unnecessary hassle it is always good to invest in a model that can be cleaned easily.
The Best Fish Scalers Review – Our Top Picks
The Best All Around Fish Scaler
Comfecto Fish Scaler Remover
Pros
- 30 individual serrated sawtooths allowing you to remove fish scales easily
- 304 stainless steel material
- Ergonomic handle sufficiently offset to avoid dragging your knuckles across the fish
- Scaling 4x faster than using the back of a knife
Cons
- This item seems to be light duty for scaling big fish
- The handle is relatively smaller than the one depicted in the pictures
The Comfecto Fish Scaler Remover with Stainless Steel Sawtooth is a Japanese scaler that makes removing fish scales a breeze. The scale scraper has 30 serrated sawtooths that ensure even and complete scale removal.
All you need to do is to make a few stroking motions and the scales will come off rapidly with the help of this remover and that too without tearing the skin. The best part about this fish scaler is that the scales do not fly off in all the directions so you would be happy as it doesn’t make a mess in your kitchen.
As mentioned, the Comfecto Fish Scaler Remover is made up of fine quality stainless steel that is lightweight and does not rust easily. The handle of the Comfecto Fish Scaler Remover gives you a comfortable grip so that the remover does not fall off from your hand even if you are scaling bigger fish.
Usually the belly and the fins are tough spots for scaling but this remover easily scrapes off the scales from these difficult areas as well. Moreover, it does not tire your wrist and arm and you can use it to scale many fish at a time without getting fatigued.
This fish scale tool has a compact size of 7.5 x 1.4 inches and helps in saving the space in your kitchen. Moreover, it has a hook ring at the end of it handle so that it can be conveniently hanged on your kitchen rack.
This knife is so much better than the wooden knives that acquire a bad smell with constant use. With its sturdy construction and ergonomic design this fish scaler is a must have if you like to cook fish regularly.
Also, it is the best gift for your husband or father who is an avid fisherman and loves to cook fish as well as it will help them peel off the scales like a pro!
Features and Specs
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Size: 7.5 x 1.4 Inches
- Weight: 1.4 ounces
- Color: Silver
The Best Value Fish Scaler
Lxnoap Remover, Amison Fish Scraper
Pros
- No rust fish scale remover
- Full stainless-steel grip
- Lightweight
- Dishwasher safe
- FDA approved
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- You may not find the grip very strong
Do you often get a cut when scaling fish? If your answer is yes, then the Amison Fish Scraper is the perfect scaler for your kitchen. It is much better than using your knife to scrape the skills.
The sawtooths in this scaler are made up of good quality stainless steel and help in removing the scales easily. The sawtooths come in two sizes so that you can scrape your fish faster. Scraping off the corners of the fish becomes a difficult task with your kitchen knife but if you are using the Amison Fish Scraper this job will not seem that daunting at all.
The Amison Fish Scraper is easy to hold as it provides and good grip and fits perfectly in your hand. Moreover, it does not need much storage as there is a hook ring at the end that helps you hang this product on the wall.
Unlike many fish scalers available in the market, this one is easier to clean as it has three holes in its head. The best part is that it comes with a lifetime warranty so you don’t have to worry about getting a new one. Clearly, given its price tag, it is an outstanding choice for a cheap fish scaler.
Features and Specs
- Product Dimensions:8.1 x 1.6 x 1.6 inches
- Item Weight:2.88 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 2.88 ounces
- Color: Silver & Size: 8 inch
- Made up of 304 stainless steel
The Best Lightweight Fish Scaler
GiniHome Fish Scaler Brush
Pros
- High-quality food safe
- 304 stainless steel
- Non-slip handle is designed with ergonomic design that is sturdy and easy turning without hurting you
Cons
- May rust with long term use
If you are looking for a high-quality stainless-steel scaler then go for GiniHome Fish Scaler that is lightweight as well as sturdy. As it made up of 304 stainless steel it will not rust easily and even won’t break when used constantly. This one has an ergonomic design so the handle is comfortable to hold and does not slip easily.
The GiniHome Fish Scaler is safe to use for you and your family and removes all the scales easily. The manufacturers have a 30-day money back service. So, if you don’t like this product for any reason at all, just feel free to get in touch with them and you will get 100% money back.
Features and Specs
- Package Dimensionn:7.6 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches
- Item Weight:2.4 ounces
- Shipping Weight:2.4 ounces
- Weight: 0.1 lb
The Best Fish Scaler in Terms of Safety
Gnker Fish Scaler Skin Brush
Pros
- Fast descaling and safe to use
- Unique design that ensures no fish scales flying
- Very easy to clean
- Comfortable to hold and use
Cons
- Only suitable for small fish as its size is very small
Bring a lot of fun to home life with Gnker Fish Scaler Skin Brush. This fish scaler has a great shape, design and also has lovely appearance. The bottom of this scaler is raised and this makes scaling a breeze.
Moreover, it ensures that scraping is clean and sanitary. And if you are tired of making space for new products in your kitchen then this one is for you as it comes with hanging holes so you can conveniently hang it wherever you desire.
The manufacturers have ensured that this scraper is convenient to operate. The cover design is such that the scales do not fly off everywhere in your kitchen but rather can be disposed off in a clean manner. Washing this scaler is convenient, clean and sanitary. Because of its non-sharp design, it does not cut you so it is safe to use.
Features and Specs
- Package Dimensions: 6.7 x 3 x 1.7 inches
- Item Weight: 2.08 ounces
- Shipping Weight:2.08 ounces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do I need to use a fish scaler?
If you want to clean the fish scales without much hassle then a fish scaler is the right choice. Many people prefer to eat fish with the skin as they might find it more delicious. Moreover, you may want to keep the skin on when grilling the fish so that it is juicier.
But if you want to leave the skin then you will have to take the scales off.
How do I use a fish scaler?
The first step is to clean the scaler by washing it under running water. The next step is to hold the fish with one hand and then move the scaler up and own over the body of the fish.
Move your hand from the tail to the head of the fish while scraping and you will see the scales coming off in sometime. Once all the scales are removed your fish is ready for grilling or filleting with an electric or normal knife.
For more info on cleaning a fish, read our article.
Can I remove all the fish scales with the help of the scaler?
Yes you can but it is sometimes common to see a few scales left while scraping especially around the belly and the back of the fish. It is because these areas are the tough spots and the scaler needs to be maneuvered carefully around them. Y
ou can also use a pocket knife to get rid of these stubborn scales.
Conclusion
Scaling a fish will become much easier if you follow this guide and invest in the best fish scaler of your choice. Whether you are an amateur or a pro at cooking fish you will not be troubled with scaling provided you invest in a food scaler.
Take a look at this delicious recipe for whole fish in the oven for example!