How many pieces are in The Chum Bucket?

The Chum Bucket contains 337 pieces.

What age is The Chum Bucket recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 7-12.

When was The Chum Bucket released?

The Chum Bucket was released in 2007.

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🏛 SpongeBob SquarePants

Set #4981

The Chum Bucket

The Chum Bucket is a delightfully quirky representation of SpongeBob's culinary nemesis.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 7+ · Intermediate build Ideal for SpongeBob fans of all ages, especially those who enjoy playful and cartoon-accurate models.
Build: 337 pieces · about 3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $34.99 list price · 10.4¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★☆☆ 3.8 community rating from 57 ratings

Fans appreciate the set's faithful recreation of the Chum Bucket and its quirky details, although some find the build repetitive and the price a bit high for the piece count. The unique SpongeBob minifigure is a major draw for collectors.

$34.99

Best Price

$31.49

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Chum Bucket is a delightfully quirky representation of SpongeBob's culinary nemesis. Capturing the essence of Plankton's less-than-successful restaurant, the set is packed with fun details and play features that bring the cartoon to life in brick form.

This set is perfect for SpongeBob SquarePants fans and collectors looking for a unique piece of Bikini Bottom. The build is engaging and offers a nostalgic trip for those who grew up watching the show, while the play features add an interactive element for younger builders.

Skip this if you're strictly after complex building techniques or hyper-realistic models. This set prioritizes cartoon accuracy and playability over intricate design, so consider larger modular buildings or Technic sets for a more challenging build.

✨ New

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Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the The Chum Bucket - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How does The Chum Bucket compare to other SpongeBob SquarePants LEGO sets in terms of collectibility? What are some creative ways to expand the set's play features or modify its design? Is this set a good investment for LEGO collectors, considering its retired status and theme popularity? How durable is the set for play, and are there any known structural weaknesses?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

337

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

👤

7-12

Ages

Build Highlights:

Recreating the iconic Chum Bucket interior with its wacky equipment.
Building Plankton's Burger Walker and Robot SpongeBob.
Incorporating play features like the brainwasher and Krabby Patty analyzer.
Displaying the set alongside other SpongeBob-themed LEGO sets.

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Chum Bucket (4981-1) presents a mixed investment opportunity. As a retired set from a popular licensed theme, it benefits from nostalgia and demand from collectors. The set's relatively low piece count might limit its appreciation potential compared to larger, more complex sets. However, its unique subject matter and the enduring popularity of SpongeBob SquarePants could drive value in the long term. The rising price trend suggests growing interest, but potential investors should monitor the market closely for price fluctuations and consider the set's condition and completeness.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📖 About This Set

At the Chum Bucket, Plankton hatches his evil plans to steal the Krabby Patty recipe. With the help of his computer, he'll use his spinning brainwasher, the Krabby Patty analyzer and even a robotic SpongeBob to get it! Includes SpongeBob and Plankton, plus Plankton's Burger Walker, Robot SpongeBob and a robot customer!

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Good Krusty Krab Adventures

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Undersea Party

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SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Undersea Party

SpongeBob SquarePants • 494 pcs

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Compared to other SpongeBob SquarePants LEGO sets, The Chum Bucket stands out for its focus on Plankton's world and his scheming nature. While it may not have the same widespread appeal as sets featuring SpongeBob himself, it offers a unique perspective on the show's dynamic. Collectors interested in completing their Bikini Bottom collection will find this set essential. Sets like the Krusty Krab (if available) offer a complementary experience.

1 Minifigure Included

SpongeBob Squarepants with Wide Eyes and Open Mouth, Scared

3 parts

The SpongeBob Squarepants minifigure with wide eyes and a scared expression is unique to this set, adding to its collectibility for fans of the show.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 337
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 98 unique parts, 334 pieces
Minifigures: 1

The official piece count includes the 3 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Panel 1 x 2 x 3 [...

Part #: 2362b 1× White

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 1× Trans-Neon Green

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× White

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 1× Blue

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 1× White

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 2× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 2449 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 1 x 5 w...

Part #: 2453a 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 2654 2× Tan

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2817 1× Light Bluish Gray

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c02 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 1× White

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 1× Yellow

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 4× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 1× Blue

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Green

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Black

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 3× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 5× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Yellow

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 12× Blue

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 1× Blue

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 30361c 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Bar 4L (Lightsabe...

Part #: 30374 1× Trans-Red

Arm Mechanical wi...

Part #: 30377 6× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039pr0002 1× White

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 2× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3045 4× Green

Wedge Plate 4 x 4...

Part #: 30503 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 1× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 9× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062bpr9998 1× Sand Green

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 7× Blue

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× Red

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× White

Tile 1 x 2 with '...

Part #: 3069bpr0100 1× Green

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 2× Trans-Red

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 2× Trans-Green

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 32039 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32064b 4× Dark Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32064b 4× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 5

Part #: 32073 4× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123b 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32192 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Pin Conne...

Part #: 32530 2× Red

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 1× Black

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 8× Blue

Tyre 15 x 6 Offse...

Part #: 3641 4× Black

Technic Pin witho...

Part #: 3673 2× Light Bluish Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 1× Light Bluish Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 1× Red

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× White

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Blue

Brick 1 x 3 x 5 w...

Part #: 3755a 4× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 5× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 3× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 10

Part #: 3832 1× White

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3937 1× White

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 1× Light Bluish Gray

Dish 4 x 4 Invert...

Part #: 3960 1× White

Part #: 40490 2× Blue

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4085c 2× Red

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 8 x 8

Part #: 41539 2× Light Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 2× Blue

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41769 1× Blue

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41770 1× Blue

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 4× Blue

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 43093 2× Blue

Support Round 1 x...

Part #: 43888 4× Dark Blue

Dish 3 x 3 Invert...

Part #: 43898pr0002 1× Tan

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 2× Light Bluish Gray

Equipment Frying Pan

Part #: 4528 1× Pearl Light Gray

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 1× Green

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 1× Trans-Neon Green

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 4600 2× Light Bluish Gray

Wheel 8 x 6

Part #: 4624 4× Light Bluish Gray

Helmet, Sports, w...

Part #: 46303 1× Light Bluish Gray

Pneumatic T-Piece...

Part #: 4697b 1× Light Bluish Gray

Bar 1 x 3 [Clip /...

Part #: 4735 4× Light Bluish Gray

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 2× Trans-Neon Green

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 2× Trans-Red

Door 1 x 4 x 5 Le...

Part #: 47899c04 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 48336 13× Blue

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 48336 2× Tan

Panel 1 x 2 x 2 [...

Part #: 4864b 2× Trans-Clear

Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...

Part #: 4865a 1× Red

Wedge Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 51739 1× White

Panel 1 x 6 x 5

Part #: 59349 5× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 26× Black

Bar 7 x 3 with Do...

Part #: 6020 1× Light Bluish Gray

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 60497 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Brick Curved 2 x ...

Part #: 6081 4× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Curved 1 x ...

Part #: 6091 6× Light Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 6 x 6...

Part #: 6106 4× Light Bluish Gray

Hinge Brick 2 x 2...

Part #: 6134 1× Light Bluish Gray

Part #: 6141 1× Reddish Brown

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 5× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 4× White

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 5× Yellow

Part #: 6256 1× Bright Light Orange

Cylinder Half 2 x...

Part #: 6259 1× Trans-Light Blue

Cylinder Half 2 x...

Part #: 6259 1× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 2× Yellow

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Door 1 x 4 x 5 Ri...

Part #: 73194c04 1× Light Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 12× Blue

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 2× White

The set offers a good selection of blue and light bluish gray elements, useful for general building and MOCs. The inclusion of multiple hinge plates and clip elements provides opportunities for creating dynamic and posable structures.

🛒 Where to Buy

LEGO (UK)

✓ In Stock

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£24.49

eBay

✓ In Stock

$31.49 →

Walmart

✓ In Stock

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$33.24

Target

✓ In Stock

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$34.99

LEGO (US)

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$34.99

💎 Notable Parts

Black Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Horizontal [Thick U Clip] (26x) $3.90

Blue Plate Special 1 x 2 [Side Handle Closed Ends] (13x) $1.95

Blue Hinge Plate 1 x 4 Swivel Top / Base - Solid Clip [Complete Assembly] (12x) $3.60

Black Arm Mechanical with 2 Clips [Battle Droid] (6x) $1.80

Light Bluish Gray Brick Curved 1 x 2 x 1 1/3 with Curved Top (6x) $1.20

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$12.45

💡 MOC Potential

🏙 Expand Bikini Bottom with other locations like the Krusty Krab or Sandy's Treedome.

🤖 Create larger, more elaborate robots for Plankton's schemes.

🚗 Design custom Chum Bucket delivery vehicles.

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

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📖 Building Instructions 1

BUILDING INSTRUCTION 4981

Download PDF

Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

337

Official Piece Count

334

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 3 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.