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Author: LillianReading:1
It almost goes without saying—if you’ve been following LEGO over the years, you already know they consistently deliver impressive sets. But it’s worth emphasizing: building a LEGO set often leaves me in awe of the designers’ creativity and precision. The way they transform a box of seemingly random bricks into intricate models—be it blooming flowers, iconic Marvel superheroes, massive spaceships, or even the Titanic—is nothing short of remarkable.
### Minifigure Vending Machine
Price: $179.99 at LEGO Store
Set # 21358
Pieces: 1,343
Ages: 18+
Dimensions: H: 12" (28cm), W: 7" (17cm), D: 9" (21cm)
While many LEGO sets excel at capturing the essence of pop culture or real-world landmarks, some go a step further—they don’t just look the part, they actually work. The LEGO Minifigure Vending Machine is one of those standout sets. After spending roughly five to six hours following the instructions and assembling 13 individual bags of pieces, you’re left with a fully functional machine that dispenses LEGO minifigures. It’s not just a display piece—it’s an interactive experience, and honestly, it’s as awesome as it sounds.
The build process is methodical and engaging. You start from the base and gradually construct the internal framework that supports the entire mechanism. At various stages, the instructions pause the main build to guide you through assembling internal components separately—like disc-shaped modules that later slot into the core of the machine. These segmented steps keep the process dynamic and help you understand how each part contributes to the final function.
There are a few moments during construction that require extra attention, which is part of what makes this set ideal for adult builders (18+). For example, positioning a specific plastic flap between a rubber gasket and a rigid plate demands precision, and the diagram in the manual isn’t always immediately clear. To help, the designers dedicate an entire instruction page to illustrate both the correct and incorrect methods—ensuring you get it right the first time.
What makes the Minifigure Vending Machine especially enjoyable is the pacing. Each of the 16 included minifigures comes sealed in its own capsule, packed across different bags, so you’re constantly rewarded with new surprises as you build. This eliminates the monotony that sometimes creeps in during repetitive assembly phases in other sets.
Once completed, the real magic begins. You insert a custom LEGO coin—made of two interlocking pieces—into the slot. Turn the crank, and the coin drops inside, triggering the mechanism. A capsule rolls out, delivering a minifigure just like a real vending machine. No coin? No minifigure. The authenticity of the function is astonishing, and it’s hard not to smile the first (or tenth) time it works perfectly.
Having overseen LEGO content at IGN for years, I can confidently say the company continues to push the boundaries of design, engineering, and creative storytelling through plastic bricks. I understand LEGO sets come with a premium price tag, and yes, they’re essentially toys or decorative pieces. Financially, no one should feel pressured to spend heavily on them—comment sections on my articles are always filled with valid concerns about pricing.
Yet, the craftsmanship is undeniable. Each piece is manufactured with such precision that bricks from today fit seamlessly with those made decades ago. The innovation behind functional sets like this one only deepens the appreciation. Year after year, LEGO raises the bar. And for enthusiasts who value quality, detail, and interactive builds, that kind of excellence holds real value.
We Build LEGO Minifigure Vending Machine
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