Sounds like an airplane, but vacuum feature works. Definately keeps smoothies tasting good for longer. Vacuum seal tumbler isn't portable - the lid does NOT seal for travel (RIP my car upholstery). But, nearest vacuum blender is double the cost and this one works. Many blenders are hella loud, good thing is with this one you can make smoothies at sociable hours and they will taste like you just made it for 24 to 36hrs (haven't stored for longer than this). It doesn't make things smooth with just the one round of Smoothie mode if you're stuff is frozen, but gets 95% of things smooth if you leave it 10mins and blend twice. Happy w purchase, will keep using this until I can afford an exxy Kuvings!