Buying Used Butchery Equipment? Here’s What to Look Out For (2025)

Introduction

Setting up a butchery, meat processing facility, or expanding your catering business can be an expensive venture, but it doesn’t have to be. Investing in used butchery equipment is a smart way to kit out your operation without overspending, provided you know what to look for.

Not all second-hand butchery machines are created equal. Choosing the right equipment is about more than just saving money - it’s about ensuring hygiene, reliability, and productivity in your business.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know when buying used butchery equipment: what to look out for, how to assess machines, common pitfalls to avoid, and the types of machinery worth considering. Whether you're fitting out a new shop or expanding an existing one, this guide is here to help.

👉 Tip: Throughout this guide, we’ll also link to our range of carefully refurbished butchery equipment, ready to buy today.

Explore Refurbished Butchery Equipment from GMSE

Looking for high-quality used butchery equipment? GMSE offers a curated range of refurbished machines, including meat mincers, slicers, mixers and more - tested, hygienic, and ready to work for your business.

👉 Browse Refurbished Butchery Equipment

Table of Contents

1. Why Buy Used Butchery Equipment?

2. What Butchery Machinery Should You Consider?

3. Key Things to Check When Buying Used Butchery Equipment

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

5. Conclusion

Why Buy Used Butchery Equipment?

Cost savings are the most obvious benefit of buying used butchery equipment, but it’s far from the only one.

Here’s why many butchers, restaurateurs and food producers opt for refurbished or second-hand machines:

• Reduced upfront costs: critical for new businesses or when expanding.

• Faster procurement: Used equipment is often ready to ship immediately.

• Access to higher-grade equipment than your budget might otherwise allow.

• Environmental benefits extend the life of machinery and reduce waste.

• Proven reliability: Well-maintained machines can last for decades.

👉 At GMSE, all our refurbished butchery machines undergo a full inspection and hygiene testing process before resale.

Reputedly Britain’s oldest family-run butchers R J Balson & Son. This new filler will certainly make the team’s lives a little easier!

What Butchery Machinery Should You Consider?

When we talk about used butchery equipment, we’re focusing specifically on machinery and large equipment — not knives or small utensils. Here are the key categories you should consider:

1️⃣ Meat Mincers (Meat Grinders)

• Essential for preparing minced meats in-house.

• Available in bench-top or floor-standing versions.

• Look for units with hygienic stainless steel components.

  👉 See all refurbished meat mincers

2️⃣ Meat Mixers & Mixer Grinders

• Combine mixing and grinding for consistent blends.

• Ideal for burger mix, sausage mix, and more.

• Helps ensure even distribution of seasoning and texture.

  👉 See all refurbished Meat Mixers & Mixer Grinders

3️⃣ Slicers

• Vital for deli cuts, cold meats and portion control.

• Look for smooth operation, sharp blades, and easily cleaned surfaces.

  👉 See all refurbished Slicers

4️⃣ Sausage Fillers

• Essential for butchers producing their own sausages.

• Manual and hydraulic models available.

• High-grade stainless steel hoppers preferred.

👉 See all refurbished Sausage Fillers

5️⃣ Knife Sterilisers & Knife Sharpeners

• Keeps knives hygienic and in perfect condition.

• UV sterilisers and heated units both popular.

• Wall-mounted or free-standing options available.

6️⃣ Hoists

• Lifting equipment for handling large carcasses.

• Improves worker safety and reduces strain.

7️⃣ Burger Machines

• Helps create uniform patties quickly and consistently.

• A great addition for butchers who also supply catering businesses or run a takeaway counter.

👉 See all refurbished burger machines

8️⃣ Butchers' Blocks

• Central to any butchery workspace.

• High-density food-safe wooden or plastic blocks.

• Check for condition, surface quality, and stability.

9️⃣ Hygienic Equipment

• Boot washers, entrance hygiene stations.

• Keeps your butchery compliant with food hygiene regulations.

Key Things to Check When Buying Used Butchery Equipment

Before purchasing any used butchery equipment, perform these key checks to ensure your investment will serve you well:

✅ Machine Condition

• Look for obvious signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.

• Check all moving parts — do they operate smoothly?

• Are key surfaces (e.g. meat-contact areas) free from pitting or deep scratches?

✅ Hygiene and Cleanability

• Is the machine designed for easy disassembly and cleaning?

• Check whether any seals, gaskets or non-metal components need replacing.

• Avoid equipment with hidden contamination risks.

✅ Electrical Safety & Certification

• Always ensure used machines meet UK electrical safety standards.

• Ask for PAT testing and inspection records.

• For larger three-phase equipment, check compatibility with your premises.

✅ Spare Parts & Serviceability

• Is the machine from a reputable manufacturer with spares availability?

• Are manuals or service guides included?

• Ask the supplier about service support options.

✅ Refurbishment Process

• Be wary of “cleaned up” but untested machines.

• Ideally, buy from a supplier (like GMSE) who fully tests and refurbishes equipment.

• Ask for a clear description of what’s been done — e.g. motor servicing, bearing replacement, blade sharpening, etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many first-time buyers of used butchery equipment make avoidable errors. Here’s what to steer clear of:

❌ Mistake #1: Chasing the Cheapest Option

Ultra-low prices often indicate poor condition, lack of testing, or high future repair costs.

❌ Mistake #2: Not Checking Hygiene Standards

Some second-hand machinery on the market may not meet modern food hygiene requirements. Always inspect thoroughly.

❌ Mistake #3: Overlooking Electrical Compatibility

Particularly with three-phase machines — check that your shop or kitchen can power the equipment safely.

❌ Mistake #4: Buying Equipment Too Large or Small for Your Needs

Think carefully about throughput. A machine that’s too large can waste space and energy; too small will limit productivity.

❌ Mistake #5: Not Factoring in Spare Parts Availability

Machines from unknown brands or very old models may cause headaches when replacement parts are needed.

Conclusion

Investing in used butchery equipment can be one of the smartest decisions a catering business or butcher can make — but only if you approach it carefully.

By knowing what to look for, choosing reputable suppliers, and understanding the key checks to perform, you’ll give your business the best possible start. From meat mincers to slicers, sausage fillers to burger machines, used equipment can deliver outstanding performance at a fraction of new prices.

👉 Explore GMSE’s current range of refurbished butchery equipment - all machines are fully inspected, hygienically tested, and ready for use in your business.