There are a lot of themes that seem to repeat items in LEGO… vehicles, buildings, castles… and then there’s the Ideas theme where we get some pretty interesting, one off sets we never thought possible. This one is one of them. #21358-1: Minifigure Vending Machine was released on 1 June 2025 and it contains 1,343 pieces. At $179.99 this works out to a ridiculously high $0.134 per piece. Some people will claim there are bigger pieces and 16 minifigures so that justifies the higher price. I think it’s just LEGO pushing for higher prices, but that’s just me. Onto the review…
The front of the box shows the full set with a fun logo and highlights that this is LEGO Ideas set #66. One of the balls is open with a teal spaceman assembled holding a coffee mug and a donut printed 1x1 round tile. The back shows some additional minifigures assembled along with explaining how the vending mechanism works. There’s also a schematic highlighting the height and width.
The set includes 11 numbered parts bags and two paper bags containing the clear window pieces. There’s also an instruction book.
Bag one builds the base of the machine. The first ball is a male minifigure holding a 5 cent printed tile and a mini vending machine. It also contains a brick separator. The instructions show how you can use a brick separator to separate the minifigure balls.
Bag two builds up the bottom rim of the machine with some rounded pieces. It also finalizes the ramp where the balls will roll out to. This bag contains a teal spaceman and a female pirate minifigure with a map and pistol.
Bag three adds more of the structure for the lower part of the machine. There is a curved ramp that will be where the selected ball drops down on. This bag adds a Kraken Warrior which is considered a new castle theme.
Bag four builds up more of the bottom section of the machine. This one includes a gold spaceman and a Paradisa minifigure with a parrot.
Bag five adds the mechanism which connects the crank, coin slot, and the mechanism to distribute the balls. This part is made with Technic pieces and it is pretty complicated to assemble. If you’re not an experienced builder, get ready for a challenging assembly. This bag contains a Griffin Knight which is another new castle them.
Bag six adds some parts to cover the Technic mechanisms. This one contains a Fabuland minifigure and another Kraken Warrior.
Bag seven adds the outer covering of the crank section and the handle for the crank. It also adds the first 10 cent coin to use to get a minifigure. It also adds a section that is made with mostly plates that rotates around when the crank is turned. There is a gap in the plate to allow for a minifigure ball to drop down. Very clever! This bag adds another Paradisa minifigure.
Bag eight adds the outside of the bottom of the machine with mostly tiles and some slope pieces. There is another Griffin knight in this bag.
Bag nine finishes off the bottom portion of the machine and includes a male pirate minifigure.
Bag ten uses the large amount of clear panels to create the bin for the minifigure balls. That bag includes another Fabuland minifigure and another gold spaceman.
Bag 11 completes the build with a top to the vending machine. It includes a LEGO Ideas designer as the minifigure,
Overall, it’s a great looking set. The red curves really make the machine stand out and there are just enough studs showing to remind you that it is LEGO and not an actual machine. The minifigure selection is great and opens it up for you to add your own minifigures to sweeten the deal (Star Wars or Marvel maybe). It’s a good build that uses some interesting techniques to make the machine functional and there are some decent pieces if you are a MOC builder.
The price is… ugh… not good. I got a GWP with it when I made the purchase so that helped some I guess, but this one is expensive. I realize there are 16 minifigures and the new ball pieces along with all of the clear panels, but there aren’t any licenses or anything to worry about so what’s up with the high prices?
If you can somehow find a deal on this set, pick it up. Or wait for a good GWP or double insider points. Otherwise, maybe you should hold off one this one unless you are okay with the price.
Happy building!
