Abstract: A chiller having a forced air means and a pressure plenum so as to provide a suitably concentrated and even air flow and distribution through spatial gaps between trays on one or more insertable food racks. The plenum has a high pressure cavity at one end and a low pressure cavity at the opposite end. A motorized fan mounted above the plenum and separated therefrom by a ceiling plate draws chilled air from the low pressure chamber and forces it into the high pressure chamber in front of the plenum. A turning vane directs the air into high pressure chamber and reduces potential turbulence. The walls leading from the high pressure cavity to the plenum are preferably tapered at least in part so as to force air into the plenum in a funnel-like manner, and uniformly through spatial gaps between the trays on the rack or racks. A multi-function controller controls the chilling operation by allowing selection of either a chill time or a target product temperature.