The Catalog · Ceiling Cassette
Ceiling Cassette Mini Splits.
Out of Sight. In Comfort.
A ceiling cassette mini split installs flush in your ceiling — only the slim grille shows. No bulky wall unit, no ductwork, no compromise on aesthetics. Perfect for offices, retail spaces, finished basements with drop ceilings, and any room where a wall-mounted head would clutter the design. Our cassette systems include MrCool DIY OuttaSight (one-way airflow, drop-ceiling install) and traditional 4-way cassettes for commercial spaces.
Buying Guide
How to choose a ceiling cassette mini split
Ceiling cassettes look the cleanest of any indoor unit type — but they require ceiling space (drop ceiling or 8+ inch joist depth) and a slightly more complex install. Here's what to know.
Drop ceiling vs joist install
Drop-ceiling cassettes drop into a 2x2 or 2x4 ceiling tile opening — easy install in commercial offices. Joist-installed cassettes mount between exposed floor joists in residential ceilings, with the grille flush in the ceiling drywall. The MrCool DIY OuttaSight is designed specifically for the latter — fits in 8-inch joist bays with no ductwork.
One-way vs four-way airflow
Four-way ceiling cassettes (commercial standard) blow air in all four directions — best for square rooms with the cassette in the center. One-way cassettes blow in a single direction — best for rectangular rooms, hallways, or where the cassette mounts near a wall. The MrCool DIY OuttaSight is one-way and works for most residential applications.
BTU sizing
Cassette mini splits come in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K BTU. Sizing follows the same 20-25 BTU per sq ft rule as wall-mount mini splits. Drop-ceiling cassettes can include condensate pumps for installations where gravity drainage isn't practical.
Pair with any MrCool outdoor condenser
Cassette indoor units pair with the same outdoor condensers as wall-mount heads. You can mix cassette + wall-mount + floor-console in a single multi-zone system — different rooms get different indoor unit types based on the space.
Frequently Asked
Common questions
What is a ceiling cassette mini split?+
A ceiling cassette is an indoor mini split unit that mounts flush in the ceiling — only the grille is visible. The compressor and condenser are still outside; the cassette is just a different form factor for the indoor air handler. Best for spaces where a wall-mounted unit would be visually intrusive.
Do I need a drop ceiling for a cassette mini split?+
Not necessarily. Drop-ceiling cassettes (common in offices) drop into a tile grid. Joist-installed cassettes (like the MrCool DIY OuttaSight) fit between residential floor joists with the grille flush in the ceiling drywall. You need at least 8 inches of clear depth above the ceiling to fit most cassettes.
Are ceiling cassettes harder to install than wall-mount mini splits?+
Slightly. The cassette must be supported from above (suspended from joists or rafters), and the line set + drain line route through the ceiling cavity. The MrCool DIY OuttaSight is designed for homeowner install with detailed instructions; commercial cassettes typically need a pro.
Are ceiling cassettes more expensive than wall-mount?+
Yes — typically $200-$500 more per indoor unit. The premium pays off in aesthetics: no visible wall-mounted unit, near-invisible installation, and 4-way airflow that distributes air more evenly than a wall unit.
How loud are ceiling cassette mini splits?+
Whisper-quiet — typically 28-40 dB at the cassette face. Quieter than most wall-mount units because the airflow is dispersed across a larger grille area instead of through a single front vent.