IMPORTANT: The compact chiller requires its lower ventilation grate to remain clear and properly vented, per the standard installation instructions ↗. The compact chiller will malfunction if its grate is blocked. Use one of the approved alternative methods if the cabinet can't support the standard ventilation requirements.
This article lists approved alternative methods for installing the compact chiller for Countertop 1.5 in various non-standard conditions.
In this article (click to jump):
- Grille Method for No/Insufficient Toe Kick
- Ventilation Platform Method for Floorless/No Cabinet Base
- Sideways Chiller Orientation in Cabinet
Grille Method for No/Insufficient Toe Kick
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1. When this method can be used
Both of these criteria are required to use this alternative ventilation method:
✅ Cabinet does not have a toe kick, or toe kick overhang is too small to drill standard 1.5" holes.
✅ Cabinet has a floor/cabinet base.
2. Drilling holes in cabinet floor
- 21" minimum distance to rear of cabinet from dotted line on Install Guide chiller vent hole drilling template (marked "front of cabinet").
- Follow minimum distance from dotted line to front of cabinet (inside of door).
- Click here for link to Install Guide with chiller vent hole drilling template
3. Grille and Installation
Install a minimum 2" x 10" grille in the cabinet base toe kick to allow venting , following the grille manufacturer's cut-out instructions.
Recommended sources: Home Depot; Lowe's; Amazon
Installation Guidelines:
Before installing, confirm the expected room temperature where the system will be located:
If the expected room temperature where the system will be installed is below 80° F (26.7° C):
- Install 1x of the recommended grille in cabinet base/toe kick area.
If expected room temperature is at or above 80° F (26.7° C):
- Install 2x of the recommended grille in cabinet base/toe kick area (will fit for cabinets at least 24" wide or more).
For cabinets with less than 24" width, use a larger alternative 3" x 16" grille. Contact Technical Services at support@bevi.co or 866-704-2384 (BEVI) for assistance with this configuration.
Ventilation Platform (Riser) Method for Floorless/No Cabinet Base
1. When this method can be used
Both of these criteria are required to use this alternative ventilation method:
✅ Cabinet does not have a floor or base of its own (i.e. "floor" of cabinet is the floor of the room)
✅ Cabinet has a minimum interior depth of 22 inches
NEW: Pre-built ventilation risers may now be purchased on the Bevi ordering storefront using part number: 720-0346. If using a pre-built riser, skip to Step 3 for installation information. If building a riser, proceed to Step 2 below.
2. Building the ventilation platform
The ventilation platform must be built according to our drawing and guidelines to fit and work correctly. Download the provided drawings below to construct the platform. See additional details and requirements below.
- Specs/Drawing: Ventilation Platform Assembly Drawing (PDF) VIEW
- Wood Parts List: Ventilation Platform: Diagram of Parts to Cut (PDF) VIEW
Specified Materials:
3/4" thick plywood, particle board, or MDF. Particle board and MDF must have melamine laminate and edge banding on all exterior surfaces if using.
Specified Fastening:
Any fasteners compatible with plywood construction are usable, so long as they are flush with surfaces. Acceptable examples include countersunk #6 or #8 wood screws, or wood glue and small nails.
3. Installing the ventilation platform
There are two approved options for completing installation with the ventilation platform, depending on the cabinet door layout.
Option 1, If the cabinet door goes all the way to the floor:
- Cut a vent hole (minimum size: 10" x 4") from the bottom of the door.
- Dress cosmetically as needed.
- This vent hole must line up with the placement of the ventilation platform. Check before cutting.
Option 2, If the cabinet has a "false toe kick" attached to the door (see below):
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Remove the false toe kick or board from the cabinet door.
- It may consist of one or two pieces (see photos below).
- Only the vertical front panel of the cabinet door will remain. Ensure the gap provides at least 10" × 4" or equivalent (40 in²) of ventilation space.
| Example of 1-piece false/"flying" toe kick | Example of 2-piece false/"flying" toe kick |
3. Make sure the false toe kick is completely removed, so warm exhaust air can leave the cabinet through the gap. Do NOT allow the toe kick or board to cover the ventilation platform. The gap must remain open for air to circulate properly.
Sideways Install in Cabinet
1. When this method can be used
Both of these criteria are required to use this alternative ventilation method:
✅ Cabinet is not deep enough, but is wide enough to house the compact chiller.
✅ Cabinet has a floor (sideways install method is not compatible with floorless cabinets)
Install requirements for sideways method
Cabinet Depth: 12” minimum (chiller only; extra space is required for CO2 and BIBs)
Cabinet Width: 24” minimum (includes keep out zones for the chiller)
Cabinet Height: 22" minimum (same as standard installation)
Minimum dimension from side of chiller to rear edge of cabinet): 1”
Minimum dimension from rear of chiller (measured from rear wall, not the connections panel) to side wall of cabinet: 2”
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Minimum dimension from front of chiller to side wall of cabinet): 3”
This allows the access panel to open comfortably.
This allows access to the power switch.
2. Installation instructions for sideways method
- Using existing vent hole template, place the chiller in the cabinet ensuring the minimum dimensions and clearances above are maintained.
- For ease of servicing a sideways chiller, we recommend installing it with the front of the chiller facing left. This makes the filter easier to access.
- We recommend placing the BiBs (flavor boxes) and CO2 tank in front of the chiller for ease of access.
2. Install a ventilation grille into the vertical wall of the cabinet base/toe kick according to the Grille Method instructions above (click to jump back up to review).
- This is required. Do not allow the chiller to vent into the cabinet or cabinet base. The cabinet ventilation grille must be installed in order to achieve sufficient airflow
3. Continue to install the chiller per standard installation instructions.