How to Set Up a Bakery from Scratch (and Where to Buy Quality Used Equipment)
Starting your own bakery can be a dream come true—but it’s also a serious business venture that requires smart planning, the right equipment, and a bit of creative flair. Whether you’re baking sourdough, pastries, or celebration cakes, getting your setup right from the start can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up a bakery from scratch, step by step—and show you where to buy affordable, high-quality used bakery equipment to save money without compromising on performance.
🏁 Step 1: Define Your Bakery Concept
Before buying anything, get clear on:
What you’re baking (bread, cakes, viennoiserie, pies, gluten-free items?)
How you’ll sell (retail shop, wholesale, online, market stalls?)
Your target customers (locals, cafes, restaurants, events?)
Your production volume and hours (do you need to bake 20 loaves or 200 per day?)
Your answers will influence equipment needs, layout design, and staffing.
🏢 Step 2: Choose a Suitable Location
Look for:
A kitchen with proper ventilation and drainage
Easy access for deliveries
Enough space for prep, baking, cooling, and storage
A customer-facing counter if selling direct
Check zoning, fire safety, and food hygiene regulations. Renting a unit that’s already been a food business can save thousands on fit-out.
📋 Step 3: Get Registered and Licensed
In the UK, you must:
Register your food business with your local council (free)
Comply with food hygiene and safety laws
Secure insurance (public liability, equipment, business interruption)
You may also need:
Planning permission (if changing the use of a property)
Allergen awareness training
Waste disposal contracts
🔧 Step 4: Set Up Your Bakery with the Right Equipment
This is where most new bakers face sticker shock—new commercial bakery equipment is expensive. But there’s no need to go into massive debt. Buying used bakery equipment is a smart move if it’s reliable and from a trusted source.
Core Equipment You’ll Likely Need:
Spiral or planetary mixer (for dough or batters)
Deck oven, rack oven, or convection oven
Retarder or proofer
Dough divider and moulder (for larger output)
Work tables and stainless steel shelving
Blast chiller or fridge and freezer
Display counters and serving equipment (if customer-facing)
🛒 Where to Buy Quality Used Bakery Equipment in the UK
✅ Bakers Broker – The Smart Way to Buy
At Bakers Broker, we specialise in supplying refurbished and pre-owned commercial bakery equipment across the UK. Every item is cleaned, tested, and ready to go—saving you money and time.
Why choose Bakers Broker?
✔ Curated selection of proven brands (Mono, Hobart, Rational, etc.)
✔ Expert advice from industry pros
✔ Nationwide delivery and installation options
✔ Warranties available on many items
✔ Transparent pricing—no hidden fees
Whether you're setting up your first bakery or scaling up from a home kitchen, we’ll help you get the equipment you need without blowing your budget.
👉 Visit BakersBroker.co.uk to view current stock or request help finding what you need.
💡 Step 5: Layout, Staffing & Launch
Once your kit is in place:
Plan a logical workflow: ingredients > prep > baking > cooling > packing
Hire staff with relevant skills or train from scratch
Conduct test bakes and final food safety checks
Build anticipation with social media teasers, soft launches, and local PR
🚀 Start Smart, Spend Wisely
Setting up a bakery from scratch is exciting—but it can be expensive if you don’t plan properly. By buying used equipment from trusted suppliers like Bakers Broker, you can save thousands, reduce startup risks, and hit the ground running.
Let’s make your bakery dream a profitable reality.
