Lego Talking Sorting Hat (76291) review: "A conversation starter – and I mean that literally"

The Lego Talking Sorting Hat is a conversation starter – and I mean that literally. As its name would suggest, this set is the talkative sort.

If you're a millennial like me who grew up working out which Hogwarts House we'd belong to, this stuff is goddamn catnip. Using sound-bites from the first Harry Potter movie, it'll 'sort' you into Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff at the push of a button. That makes the Lego Talking Sorting Hat an absolute delight if you have friends round.

Even as a mute model, it'd be cool. But as one that actually yaps away when interacted with? It becomes an instant contender for the best Lego sets.

Features

• Actually talks
• 561 pieces
• Comes with stand and minifig Harry

This kit is pure magic, so let's get the bad news out of the way first: it isn't to-scale. Rather than being a full-size version of the hat, this is only 9.5in (24cm) tall and 561 pieces strong.

It's all on the up-and-up from there, though. Lego Talking Sorting Hat features a pressable top that you can push down like a lever, causing it to cycle through a random series of quotes which end with the kit bellowing the Hogwarts House you belong in.

It comes on a sleek black and gold stand as well, so won't just be laying about. This features the icons of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, along with a minifigure of Harry himself wearing the Sorting Hat.

Build

• Takes roughly 1-2hrs
• An easy-going build
• A couple of prominent stickers

As a smaller build with just over 500 pieces, the Lego Talking Sorting Hat isn't going to take you long to finish. Indeed, I smashed through it in about an hour – it would take two at most.

It'll be a pleasant experience. The project isn't particularly taxing, and despite a few tricky moments where you may accidentally drop a piece inside the half-built model (which leads to you rattling it upside down like a salt shaker), it's easygoing on the whole. There are only a couple of stickers too, which are prominent – and thus anxiety-inducing – but satisfying when placed correctly.

Design

• Expressive, despite not being 1-to-1
• Doesn't take up much space on display
• Some stickers, but not many

Lego can verge into the uncanny valley with its larger character models (such as Chewbacca), and that's why droids, helmets, or objects like the Talking Sorting Hat work so well when turned into bricks. This kit may have doorstop eyes and a big hole for a mouth, but it's surprisingly expressive nonetheless. That mouth moves when the lever is pushed, for example.

Even though the kit can't capture its inspiration's exact look due to the many folds and curves, it also does a great job selling you on this being the Sorting Hat despite any differences. Take one glance at that face and I suspect you'll know exactly what it's supposed to be. That's impressive.

The stand is classy too with its mix of black, gold, and printed house banners. I'm particularly fond of the mini Harry wearing an even smaller Sorting Hat, because it perfectly captures that moment from the film and provides a quick hit of nostalgia. Speaking of which, a hidden Sword of Gryffindor is a nice touch…

There's some clever planning here as well. Aside from technical pieces that let some of its pieces move, there's an easily accessible compartment that lets you get at the battery without any fuss.

Is it disappointing that the set used stickers rather than printed-on pieces in some cases? Yes. And when they're as prominent as they are here, applying them can be tense. However, they're mercifully few in number and look pretty great when added; they provide some much-needed wear and tear via patches.

Should you buy the Lego Talking Sorting Hat?

If you're looking for a Harry Potter set you can have on display without taking up masses of space and one that serves as a (literal) conversation starter for your guests, the Lego Talking Sorting Hat is worth its weight in gold Galleons. It's perfect as a gift too, not to mention a relaxing project for grown-ups who don't want taxing builds.

The model not being full-size might disappoint some, and it isn't a playset so won't appeal much to kids (who are better off with the many classroom kits). However, it'll delight the intended adult audience… all without breaking the bank.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lego Talking Sorting Hat

I spent a few hours casually putting this set together while doing other tasks at the same time. And yes, I was humming the Harry Potter theme tune for most of that time.

For more on our process, don't miss this guide to how we test Lego. It's also worth checking out the full GamesRadar+ review policy.

For more brick-related shenanigans, don't miss this roundup of the month's best Lego deals.