21358 Minifigure Vending Machine – Best Alternate Build Ideas & Instructions

If you’ve picked up the LEGO® Ideas 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine, you already know it’s a clever celebration of minifig collecting. But beyond the official model lies a treasure trove of alternate builds that squeeze surprising play features and bold silhouettes out of the same colorful inventory. This set’s part palette shines for re-imagining compact machinery, clean geometric shapes, and eye-catching displays—perfect for both functional micro-machines and stylish desk models. You’ll find an abundance of brackets, tiles, panels, and clear elements that are ideal for stacking vertical structures, shaping smooth curves, and adding just enough greeble to sell a story at minifig scale.

What makes 21358 particularly fun for alternates is the balance between structural parts and decorative details. Those structural parts (plates, bricks with studs on sides, and sturdy frames) let you go tall—towers, kiosks, and modular façades—without wobble. Meanwhile, the tiles and curved slopes help you dial in aesthetics for appliances, retro display props, and slick sci-fi themes. Because most builds in this part range footprint are mid-size, you can iterate quickly: try a vertical “signal” spire, flip it into a kiosk, then rework it into a countertop appliance with a few strategic swaps. The transparent pieces also invite lighting or color-blocking tricks, so a simple silhouette can pop with illuminated windows or glowing accents.

Whether you’re displaying a conversation-starter on your shelf or building a small scene for photos, these fan-made alternates prove how versatile 21358 can be. Below you’ll find standout ideas with direct links to instructions. Use them as-is for a fast, satisfying build—or riff on the techniques to craft your own vending-adjacent creations, from space towers to stylish homeware. Happy building!

Space Training Tower

Designer: underthebricks
Get the instructions: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-228284/underthebricks/space-training-tower/

Tea Kettle – 21358 Alt Build

Designer: LucSoleBricks
Get the instructions: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-224830/LucSoleBricks/tea-kettle-21358-alt-build/