Setting Up Your Benchy Sparkling: The Quick Start Guide


The KegLand Benchy is designed for high-performance carbonation, but it requires a specific balance of pressure and temperature to work correctly. Use this guide along with the Instruction Manual to avoid common setup mistakes.

1. The Critical First 24 Hours

  • Let it Settle: After unboxing, let the unit sit upright and unplugged for 24 hours. This allows the compressor oils to settle after shipping.

  • Airflow is Vital: Place the unit with at least 4 inches (100mm) of clearance on all sides. Blocking the vents will cause the unit to overheat and stop chilling.

2. Filling the Bath

  • Water Only: Open the top hatch and fill the internal reservoir with water until the cooling coils are covered.

  • No Glycol: This unit is designed for an ice-bank cooling system; using glycol can lead to frozen lines and permanent damage.

3. Dialing in the Pressures

This is where most users run into trouble. For the Benchy to carbonate properly, you must maintain a "Pressure Gap":

  • The Pressure Gap: Your Water Inlet pressure must be 10–15 psi higher than your CO2 Gas pressure.

  • PRV Swap: If using a KOMOS CO2 Regulator, you may need to swap the standard Green 65 psi PRV on your CO2 regulator for a Gray (100 psi) PRV if your desired carbonation level is higher than 50 psi.

    • Example: If your gas is set to 50 psi, your water must be at 60–65 psi.

    • Why? If gas pressure is higher than water pressure, gas will push back into your plumbing and the unit won't fill.

4. Temperature Settings

  • Don't Go Too Low: Set your digital controller to 2°C (36°F).

  • Avoid the Freeze: Setting the temperature to 0°C or lower will freeze the water inside the carbonation tank, potentially cracking the internal components.

5. Pro Tips for Better Bubbles

  • Use Flow Control Taps: High-pressure sparkling water can be "splatty" when poured. Using NukaTap Flow Control faucets allows you to restrict the flow at the tap for a perfect, foam-free pour.

  • Give it Time: While the water chills quickly, it takes 24–48 hours for the CO2 to fully saturate the water in the tank. Your best bubbles will come on day two!

If you need help reviewing your options or fine-tuning your Benchy setup, please reach out to us at support@moreflavor.com.