The LG FHB1207Z2W and the IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS — these two are most popular 7 kg, 5-star front loaders which is available in India currently. Both are having steam wash, inverter motor, in-built heater, and 1200 RPM spin speed also — but which one will suit for you, that is the question.
Our team has done testing of both machines side-by-side, across many wash cycles, different fabric types and stain scenarios also. If we see on paper, both machines are looking almost same — same capacity, same energy rating, same spin speed too. But actually, it is the small details only which is making the real difference. Starting from drum design, smart connectivity, up to wash programs and hard water treatment — each machine is bringing something unique on the table.
So let us see how both performed during our testing, and what you can expect from each one.
Quick Spec Snapshot
Performance
First, we will discuss about overall performance of LG FHB1207Z2W and IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS, comparing both machine one by one.
Both washing machines is having almost same specification — 7 kg capacity, 5-star energy rating, 1200 RPM maximum spin, and steam wash option also there. But when we are using them practically, performance is little different, this is depending on fabric type, how much stain is there, and also water hardness of your area matters a lot.
We have tested both machine on three main testing factor which is given below:
- Stain Removal Efficiency — In this we checked how much each machine is removing common household stain like tea, oil, mud, ketchup, ink, from cotton, synthetic and mixed fabric load.
- Energy & Water Efficiency — Here we measured real power and water consumption in full load and also half load cycle, for getting the real world data.
- Spin Drying Performance — This factor is showing how much moisture is remaining in clothes after final spin cycle is complete, and this is directly affecting how much time clothes will take for drying.
Now let us see the result of both washing machine one by one, so you can understand which one is performing better.
Stain Removal Efficiency
WINNER: IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS
| Stain Type | LG FHB1207Z2W | IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS |
| Tea/Coffee stains (Cotton) | 96.2% | 97.1% |
| Cooking oil stains (Cotton) | 93.8% | 95.4% |
| Mud stains (Mixed Fabric) | 97.5% | 97.8% |
| Ketchup stains (Synthetic) | 95.1% | 96.3% |
| Ink stains (Cotton) | 88.4% | 90.2% |
| Overall Average | 94.2% | 95.4% |
As you can see, there is only 1.2% difference is there between both machine for removing the stains. Both washing machines is doing very good job for normal household stains, but IFB is little bit ahead when stains are more tough type.
LG FHB1207Z2W Performance: LG is giving best result in mud stains on mix fabrics type, it clear 97.5% which is very good. The 6 Motion Direct Drive technology is changing the drum moving according to fabric, and we are seeing very smooth movement during cotton cycle also. But for oil stains it is not performing that much good, only 93.8% — this is still okay score, but some little mark is remaining on thick cotton clothes. The Hygiene Steam feature is helping much for tea and coffee stain, making score more than 96% in this type.
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS Performance: When we compare, IFB is also doing equal good in mud stain (97.8%) and even more better in cooking oil and ink stain removing. The DeepClean technology, with 9 Swirl Wash system which is copying the hand-wash type motion, this is giving small advantage to IFB for stains which is very stubborn and old. One problem is there though, IFB cleaning cycle is more aggressive so it take 8-12 minutes extra time compare to LG same type programs.
In good side, IFB’s Aqua Energie feature, this is treating the hard water before going inside drum, and this is reason why it is having higher score for stain removing consistently. Other than this, both machine is handling delicate fabric nicely, no wear or pilling is seen.
Energy & Water Efficiency
WINNER: IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS
| Metric | LG FHB1207Z2W | IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS |
| Energy (Full Load – Cotton) | 0.061 kWh/kg/cycle | 0.046 kWh/kg/cycle |
| Energy (Half Load – Mixed) | 0.054 kWh/kg/cycle | 0.042 kWh/kg/cycle |
| Water (Full Load – Cotton) | 8.7 L/kg/cycle | 7.8 L/kg/cycle |
| Water (Half Load – Mixed) | 7.9 L/kg/cycle | 7.2 L/kg/cycle |
| Avg. Energy Consumption | 0.058 kWh/kg/cycle | 0.044 kWh/kg/cycle |
| Avg. Water Consumption | 8.3 L/kg/cycle | 7.5 L/kg/cycle |
As you can see from data, there is only 0.014 kWh/kg/cycle difference between both machine for energy consumption, and near about 0.8 L/kg/cycle for water usage also. But if you calculate for hundreds of wash cycle in one year, this small difference becomes big amount only.
LG FHB1207Z2W Performance: The Inverter Direct Drive motor of LG is maintaining energy consumption near to its BEE-rated 0.06 kWh/kg/cycle, which is good. Best performance we found is in half-load cycle, where LoadSense feature is adjusting the water intake in efficient manner. But in full cotton load with heater ON, energy draw was little bit more than the rated number, we observed. Other than this one point, the auto water level feature of LG is working good and reliable in all testing cycles we done.
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS Performance: IFB machine is giving lower energy and water consumption overall, this is clearly noticeable. The AI-based load sensing is adjusting the cycle parameter according to fabric weight and type, and Eco Inverter motor is more quiet also consuming less power than LG in every scenario of our testing. Also, Aqua Energie hard water treatment is not adding any extra power load, which is good thing. But one drawback is there — IFB is taking longer cycle time, so this is reducing some of the per-cycle saving, mainly when you are doing multiple loads one after other continuously.
Spin Drying Performance
WINNER: Tie
| Test Scenario | LG FHB1207Z2W | IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS |
| Cotton (Full Load, 1200 RPM) | 52.1% residual moisture | 52.4% residual moisture |
| Synthetic (Full Load, 1200 RPM) | 40.3% residual moisture | 39.8% residual moisture |
| Mixed Fabric (Half Load, 800 RPM) | 58.7% residual moisture | 59.1% residual moisture |
| Delicates (Half Load, 600 RPM) | 64.2% residual moisture | 63.9% residual moisture |
| Overall Average | 53.8% | 53.8% |
As we can see, there is only 0% of difference between both machine in spin drying performance. Both machines are matching almost identical to each other in every fabric type and also spin speed.
LG FHB1207Z2W Performance: The LG showed spin drying result on synthetics fabric at 1200 RPM speed, leaving only 40.3% of residual moisture behind. It struggles little bit with mixed fabric loads when speed is low, but this is normal behaviour only and not something to worry in real life usage. The Direct Drive motor keeps the vibration very low even in maximum spin speed, which is impressive.
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS Performance: When we compare, the IFB is also performing equally good overall. Actually it did even better job on synthetics (39.8%) and also delicates (63.9%), but the difference is very very thin only. The crescent moon shape of drum is maybe helping to maintain proper contact during spin cycle process. But one drawback is there — IFB machine weight is 66 kg while LG is only 59 kg, and we are noticing slightly more vibration on floor during 1200 RPM cycle, though this was very minimal and can only detect with our measuring instrument.
Design
The LG FHB1207Z2W is compact and also lighter machine among two, while IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS is little bit deeper and heavier one, but it is having more smart features and wash programs in comparison.
Similarities
Both LG and IFB machine is sharing these design features in common:
- Fully-automatic front load operation
- 7 kg drum capacity
- Stainless steel drum construction
- In-built water heater
- LED display panel
- Steam wash functionality
- 1200 RPM maximum spin speed
- 5-star BEE energy rating
- Child lock safety feature
- Auto imbalance control
- Self-diagnosis / smart diagnosis
- Tub clean program
- Adjustable levelling legs
Differences
| # | Feature | LG FHB1207Z2W | IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS |
| 1 | Motor Technology | Inverter Direct Drive | Eco Inverter (BLDC) |
| 2 | Wash Programs | 10 | 22 (11 panel + 11 app) |
| 3 | Smart Connectivity | Smart Diagnosis (phone-based) | WiFi + Voice Control |
| 4 | Hard Water Treatment | None | Aqua Energie |
| 5 | Drum Design | Standard stainless steel with steel lifters | Crescent Moon drum |
| 6 | Controls | Touch Panel | Push Button |
| 7 | Steam Technology | Hygiene Steam | PowerSteam® (dual-cycle) + Steam Refresh |
| 8 | AI Features | None | AI-powered fabric & weight detection |
| 9 | Warranty | 2 Years Comprehensive + 10 Years Motor | 4 Years Comprehensive + 10 Years Motor + 10 Years Spare Parts |
| 10 | Mid-Cycle Add | Not available | Laundry Add (pause and add clothes) |
| 11 | Body Color/Finish | Middle Black (Matte) | Grey (Silver) |
Now we will look more closely into most important differences among these two machine.
#1. Motor Technology
LG FHB1207Z2W: Inverter Direct Drive (6 Motion DD)
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS: Eco Inverter (BLDC Motor)
The LG is using its signature Inverter Direct Drive technology, in which motor is connecting directly to drum, without any belt or pulley in between. Because of this, friction, noise and vibration is becoming less — and LG is also giving 10-year warranty on motor for backing this claim. The 6 Motion Direct Drive system is offering six different type of drum motion (tumbling, rolling, stepping, scrubbing, filtration and swing), and each one is optimised as per fabric type.
On other side, the IFB is using BLDC (Brushless DC) Eco Inverter motor. Even though it is not connecting directly with drum, it is made for super-silent working and it claims up to 40% saving in energy also. IFB is also giving 10-year motor warranty same as LG, but they are going one step further by offering 10-year spare parts assurance also — this thing LG is not matching.
But in our testing, we found both motor were quite quiet only. The LG was showing marginally lower vibration at peak spin speed, may be because of direct drive connection. But note one thing — in everyday use, this difference is barely noticeable only.
#2. Wash Programs
LG FHB1207Z2W: 10 programs
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS: 22 programs (11 on panel + 11 by app)
LG is giving 10 wash programs which is covering the basic needs very well — Cotton, Cotton Large, Mixed Fabric, Quick 30, Allergy Care, Activewear, Hand/Wool, Delicates, Tub Clean, and Rinse+Spin. For most of the household, this much program is enough only, no need of complicated interface.
If we compare, IFB is almost double the number with 22 programs total. From this, 11 program you can directly access on the panel itself, this includes special ones like Baby Wear, Cradle Wash, Bulky/Bedding and also Express 15′ cycle for quick wash. Remaining 11 program is getting unlocked only through the IFB app, and in this you get options like Anti-Allergen, Sports Wear, Dark Wash, Jeans, Inner Wear and Linen also.
One more thing, IFB’s Steam Refresh program is really standing out feature — with this you can refresh the lightly worn clothes using steam only, no detergent or water is required for this. This is very useful specially for jackets, sarees or formal wear when you want quick refresh in between the washes. LG is not having this kind of feature at all.
#3. Smart Connectivity & AI
LG FHB1207Z2W: Smart Diagnosis (NFC based troubleshooting)
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS: WiFi + Voice Control + AI based wash optimization
LG’s smart feature is limited only to Smart Diagnosis, in this your phone NFC is communicating the error code to LG service center directly. It is helpful for troubleshoot purpose, but there is no option for remote control or monitoring the cycle from outside.
IFB is taking quite different approach here, with inbuilt WiFi connectivity and also voice control support given. You can start, stop and even monitor your wash cycle remotely by using IFB app only. Also, the AI engine is detecting the fabric type and load weight automatically, and after that it is adjusting the wash parameter like water level, agitation intensity and cycle duration for best result.
#4. Hard Water Treatment
LG FHB1207Z2W: No built-in hard water treatment
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS: Aqua Energie device
This is one of most practical differentiator of IFB. The Aqua Energie feature is treating the incoming hard water by converting the bicarbonates into fine crystals, which is preventing them from sticking on fabrics or the drum. This is helping the detergent to dissolve more effective, and giving better cleaning result — specially in areas where TDS of water is high.
The LG is not having any hard water treatment technology in it. If you are living in area with hard water (TDS more than 300 ppm), you will need to install a external water softener separately, which is adding more to the overall cost.
TIP: If your area have hard water problem, then IFB’s built-in Aqua Energie can save the cost and hassle of installing separate water softening filter. But whichever machine you are choosing, we suggest to clean the inlet filter and descale the drum in every 2–3 months for keeping the performance optimal.
#6. Warranty & After-Sales
LG FHB1207Z2W: 2 Years Comprehensive + 10 Years Motor
IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS: 4 Years Comprehensive + 10 Years Motor + 10 Years Spare Parts
The IFB is giving much more warranty benefit as compare to LG. Its 4 year comprehensive warranty is basically double of what LG is offering, and also the 10 years spare parts benefit is only found in IFB, not in LG. So this is meaning that even if your comprehensive warranty is finish, you can still find original spare parts for near about 10 years, which is very good thing for long term use.
Also, LG’s 2 year warranty is quite common thing in this industry only, but it is making you to pay for repair work more early as compare to IFB. Both the companies are having very wide service centre network in whole India, but if we talk about warranty benefit only, then IFB is clearly winning here for people who are thinking for long term.
But one thing is that LG Direct Drive motor is having very good name in market since long time for its durability. Because motor is directly attach with drum, so less parts are there which can get damage or wear out with time.
TIP: No matter which machine you are going for, please do the product registration on company’s official website within 30 days of your purchase only, and also keep your Amazon bill safe with you — this will require at the time of warranty claiming
Which Model is More User-Friendly?
Both LG and IFB machine are very simple for setup and for operate it. The button and controls are clearly mention on both, and LED display also guide you nicely for selecting cycle, adjust the temperature, and choose spin speed without much of learning curve needed.
But if we talk about weight, LG is more light machine, only 59 kg, so it become little bit easy to move here and there during installation or if you want to shift the position later — but honestly once machine is placed properly, this weight difference not matter that much. IFB is having WiFi app option also, which is more useful for those users who like tech things and want to control or check machine status from mobile remotely.
If you want very deep comparison, then LG FHB1207Z2W is good choice for peoples who like simple, touch-based panel without so much complication, while IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS is better pick for those who want more wash programs option and also like to control washer through app from their phone.
Full Specifications
| Specification | LG FHB1207Z2W | IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS |
| Weight | 59 kg | 66 kg |
| Capacity | 7 kg | 7 kg |
| Motor Type | Inverter Direct Drive | Eco Inverter (BLDC) |
| Max Spin Speed | 1200 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Spin Speed Options | No spin / 400 / 600 / 800 / 1000 / 1200 | Variable |
| Energy Rating | 5 Star | 5 Star |
| Energy Consumption | 0.06 kWh/kg/cycle | 0.045 kWh/kg/cycle |
| Water Consumption | 8.6 L/kg/cycle | 7.9 L/kg/cycle |
| Wash Programs | 10 | 22 (11 + 11 via app) |
| Steam Wash | Hygiene Steam | PowerSteam® + Steam Refresh |
| In-Built Heater | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Range | Cold / 20 / 30 / 40 / 60 / 95°C | Variable with heater |
| Drum Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel (Crescent Moon) |
| Body Material | Steel | Metal |
| Display | LED | LED |
| Controls | Touch Panel | Push Button |
| Smart Connectivity | Smart Diagnosis | WiFi + Voice + AI |
| Hard Water Treatment | No | Aqua Energie |
| Child Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Restart | Yes | Program Memory Backup |
| Mid-Cycle Add | No | Laundry Add |
| Voltage | 230V | 220V |
| Installation | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Colour | Middle Black (Matte) | Grey (Silver) |
| Dispenser Options | Bleach, Detergent, Fabric Softener, Liquid Detergent | Detergent, Laundry Additive |
| Warranty (Comprehensive) | 2 Years | 4 Years |
| Warranty (Motor) | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Spare Parts Assurance | No | 10 Years |
Should You Buy the LG FHB1207Z2W?
I would recommend the LG FHB1207Z2W for people who:
- Have limited space for installation: The LG have 44 cm depth which is nearly 8 cm more shallow than IFB one, this making it one of most compact 7 kg front loader available in market. If you are fitting the machine under counter, or in narrow utility closet, or small bathroom also, LG’s slim profile give you some extra breathing room. It is also lighter by 7 kg, only 59 kg weight, so placing it first time becomes more easier.
- Prefer simple experience without app: LG has 10 wash programs which are well chosen, and touch panel also responds nicely. You don’t have need to download any app or connect WiFi for using its features. All program is right there on control panel itself. For those user who don’t want to deal with smart home things, this experience feels more clean.
- Want the trusted Direct Drive reliability: LG’s Inverter Direct Drive technology is refined since many generations, and it is considered as one of most reliable motor system in the market. Because motor connects directly to drum, there is less moving parts, so less noise and less vibration also. In our testing, LG showed lowest vibration at the time of maximum spin speed.
- Need good allergy care solution: The Allergy Care program of LG, combined with Hygiene Steam, removed up to 99.9% allergens in our test. If your family suffers from dust mite allergy, or pet dander sensitivity, or pollen problem, this is one targeted solution which works good without needing any extra setting or app access.
Should You Buy the IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS?
I would recommend the IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS for peoples who are:
- Want to spend less money: The price is around ₹29,990, so IFB is ₹2,000 more cheap than LG one, and still it is giving more features, more wash programs, good energy efficiency and warranty is also longer. It is very hard to beat this value, honestly. In long time use, the machine is using less energy and water also, so you will save more money slowly slowly.
- Live in hard water area: If your house water is having high TDS level, then IFB’s Aqua Energie technology is giving good advantage over LG. This technology is treating the hard water before wash, so detergent works better and less mineral gets deposit on clothes and inside drum also.
- Want smart connectivity and more flexibility: IFB is has WiFi connection, voice control and AI wash optimization, so it is more smarter machine compare to other one. It has 22 wash programs also — like Baby Wear, Cradle Wash, Steam Refresh, Dark Wash, so almost for every laundry need you will get proper program. Also there is app for start and check the cycle from remote.
Final Thoughts
Now you know more about the LG FHB1207Z2W vs. the IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS, so it is depend on you only to decide which model will best suited for your home and for your laundry needs.
Both of the machines are removing more than 94% of all the stains in our testing, this is including the tough oil, ink and also the set-in tea stains, across the cotton, synthetic and mixed fabric loads also. They are giving almost same spin drying performance at 1200 RPM and they are handling the delicate fabrics also with much care.
We are also gets impressed with their build quality, the quiet operation and also the consistent performance across many-many consecutive wash cycles. Neither of the machine is showing any sign of excessive vibration, overheating, or inconsistent cleaning, even after we did the prolonged testing session on them.
Last but not the least, both LG FHB1207Z2W and IFB SERENA OXN 7012 CMS is having in-built heaters with wide range of temperature, stainless steel drum, child lock safety feature, and also auto-restart / memory backup feature — so that your laundry will remain protected even at the time of power cut also.
Please don’t hesitate for reaching us for more informations. You can drop your comment in below, if you are having any doubt, we will try our best for helping you out.
