Havells FAB BLDC Ceiling Fan 1200mm: Money saving and higher power?

Pros & Cons

Detailed Review

First Impressions

When the Havells FAB BLDC arrived, I was honestly a bit underwhelmed by the packaging – pretty standard brown box, nothing fancy. But the fan itself felt solid in hand. The finish isn’t flashy, it’s more of a matte, utilitarian look that blends into most Indian homes without screaming for attention. Assembly was straightforward, took me about 25 minutes with the included hardware. The remote felt a bit plasticky, but it works, so I won’t complain too much.

How I Tested This

I installed this in my Pune flat’s bedroom, replacing an old Crompton that was guzzling electricity. We tested it through the brutal April-May heat when temperatures hit 42°C outside. My wife was sceptical about BLDC fans after reading mixed Amazon reviews, so we ran it daily for 6 weeks straight. I also borrowed my brother-in-law’s power meter to actually measure consumption – because manufacturer claims and reality are often two different things in India.

Performance

At 380 RPM, the air delivery is genuinely impressive. On speed 5, it creates a solid breeze that covers our 12×10 feet room comfortably. The BLDC motor is noticeably quieter than my old induction fan – my daughter can sleep without that annoying humming sound. Power consumption? I measured around 28-32 watts on highest speed, which aligns with Havells’ claims. That’s roughly 60% less than conventional fans. Over a summer, you’ll definitely notice the difference in your electricity bill.

The remote has 5-speed settings and a timer function up to 6 hours. The timer is actually useful during load-shedding planning – something many brands don’t think about. However, the remote range is maybe 15-20 feet realistically, not the claimed 25 feet.

Value for Money

Here’s where it gets tricky. At ₹3,500-ish, you’re paying almost double what a decent conventional fan costs. The energy savings are real, but payback period is probably 2-3 years depending on usage. For a single fan, it makes sense. For whole-house upgrades, your wallet will feel it. Flipkart reviews mention some folks receiving fans with minor scratches – check your delivery carefully.

Build Quality Concerns

The Made in India tag is genuinely backed up here – feels sturdier than some Chinese imports I’ve tried. But the blade wobble at higher speeds isn’t completely eliminated. It’s minor, but perfectionists will notice. Also, finding a local electrician who understands BLDC wiring can be a challenge in smaller towns.

Score Breakdown

Key Specifications

Our Verdict