Filleting Machines

Filleting machines separate boneless fillets from the frame of whole fish, performing the cutting, trimming, and yield-critical steps at the core of modern seafood processing. They handle the fish with minimum manual touch to maximise yield, and are deployed in whitefish, salmon, and pelagic plants both inland and onboard factory vessels. Buyers include production managers, plant engineers, and procurement teams sourcing equipment for new processing lines, capacity expansions, or replacement of end-of-life machinery on seafood production sites.

Filleting Machine Brands
Baader
Marel
Pisces
Curio
Steen
Cretel
Ryco
Uni-Food Technic
Kroma
Nikko

Filleting Machine Product Types
Filleting machines are available in configurations matched to species, throughput requirements, and plant layout. Understanding the differences between available types helps buyers select the correct specification for their target species, yield expectations, and future capacity needs.

Whitefish Filleting Machines
Whitefish filleting machines are built to process cod, haddock, pollock, hake, and whiting at high speed, with throughputs reaching 45 to 60 fish per minute on the largest models. Brands such as Baader dominate this segment with proven cutting systems engineered for consistent fillet recovery across variable raw material sizes.

Salmon and Salmonid Filleting Machines
Salmon filleting machines handle soft-fleshed species at rates of up to around 25 fish per minute, accommodating fish from roughly 1.5 to 8 kg. They prioritise gentle handling and fillet appearance, and integrate with skinning and portioning stations to deliver retail- and export-ready cuts.

Compact and Single-Station Filleting Machines
Compact and single-station formats suit smaller processors, specialist operations, or space-constrained plants. They allow processors to fillet at lower volumes while retaining the cut precision and hygienic design of larger systems, with room to expand as throughput grows.

Filleting Machines with Integrated Deheading or Skinning
Many filleting machines integrate deheading or skinning in a single pass to reduce handling and labour. These combined units streamline the line between gutting and trimming, improving throughput consistency while protecting fillet quality.

Vision-Guided Filleting and Trimming Systems
Vision-guided systems use cameras and servo-controlled cutting to map each fish and adjust cuts to its individual shape. They maximise fillet yield and bone-removal accuracy, and are preferred where raw material cost and labour availability make manual trimming impractical.

Filleting Machine Applications and Uses
Filleting machines are deployed across every sector of seafood processing where fillet yield, cut consistency, and food safety determine commercial performance. The range of applications reflects the diverse species and production models of the global seafood industry.

Whitefish Processing
Whitefish processors handling cod, haddock, pollock, and hake rely on filleting machines to hold consistent yield across variable raw material sizes. Accurate cutting and effective bone removal are critical, as small yield losses across high volumes carry a significant cost impact.

Salmon and Salmonid Processing
Salmon and trout processing places a premium on fillet appearance and pin-bone removal. Filleting machines used in this sector must handle soft flesh without damage and integrate with skinning and portioning stations to deliver retail- and export-ready cuts.

Pelagic and Small Species Processing
Pelagic processing of herring, mackerel, and sardines combines very high throughput with rapid changeover between species and seasons. Machine reliability and quick cleandown are key performance criteria, as unplanned stoppages directly affect catch-window planning.

Onboard and At-Sea Processing
Filleting machines installed on factory vessels must withstand constant motion, salt exposure, and condensation. Compact footprint, sealed bearings, and water-resistant electrical components are essential for continuous operation in the demanding marine environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food safety standards apply to filleting machines?
Food contact equipment must comply with relevant seafood safety regulations, including material standards for food-grade stainless steel, surface finishes that prevent microbial harbourage, and hygienic design enabling effective cleaning. In the UK, equipment must comply with retained EU regulations on food contact materials and the Food Safety Act, while BRCGS and retailer audit standards specify additional hygiene requirements for fish processing.

How do I evaluate a used filleting machine before purchasing?
Request full maintenance and service records, inspect all product contact surfaces and cutting tools for wear or corrosion, verify that guards and interlocks are present and functional, and run the machine under power where possible. Confirm that blades, belts, and spare parts remain available from the manufacturer or a reputable supplier, and check which species and size ranges the machine is tooled for before committing.

What is the typical service life of a filleting machine?
Well-maintained filleting machines typically provide 10 to 20 years of productive service, though this varies with throughput, cleaning regime, and preventive maintenance quality. High-wear components such as blades, bone-removal tooling, and drive systems require periodic reinvestment, and keeping knives sharp is essential to sustain both yield and cut quality.

Can a filleting machine be set up for different species?
Many filleting machines can be reconfigured for different species through tooling changes, adjustable settings, or interchangeable cutting modules. Consult the manufacturer to confirm which species and size ranges a given machine supports and whether conversion kits are available for your production requirements.

How can I find filleting machines on Machinery Masters?
Browse the Machinery Masters platform for new and used filleting machines from verified seafood equipment sellers worldwide. Use search filters to narrow results by brand, species, and capacity. Each listing includes full seller contact details, so buyers can request technical documentation, arrange inspection, and discuss service support before making a purchasing decision.