We just went through this terminology confusions. In addition to these terms being ever evolving, I think they may vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. I would call Miele and ask to explain the difference to you.

What we experienced is that panel ready is some cases were the lower end fridges where you just put a panel on the front of it and can still see some reveals of the sides of the fridge (sometimes only 1/8th inch) or the hinges. Fully integrated was more integrated into the cabinetry and you could not see any indications that it is a fridge. It just looked more like cabinetry. We went with subzero, who seems to be doing away with the look where you can see the edges of the fridge. This is a total generalization, but my guess is if you are buying a fridge in that price range, you likely have a higher end kitchen, which often is associated with more of a custom built-in look where you cannot see reveals.

Okay, get ready for a lot of responses with different definitions than what I gave you!

https://blog.yaleappliance.com/topic/integrated-refrigerators . . .Here's some info.

There was another question yesterday I think that was similar.

Connie, not all integrated need cabinetry panels. Some are stainless steel, but are still flush installed.

Your idea to separate the two is actually a good one for many, and many people are going this route now using 2 columns - I don't see this as a trend so much as aesthetics or the way people utilize their kitchens. I personally am not fond of having the fridge and freezer in 2 separate areas, but that's just me. You can put 2 columns beside one another (there is a kit that is needed for this, typically)

Counterdepth and Integrated are similar in that the cubic feet is more limited than a standard free-standing given they are not as deep. The lack of depth is often seen as a bonus (and I agree strongly!) - ever have to dig deep for something in your fridge or freezer? Ever find something ancient in the back? Ha ha! Counterdepth tend to have doors that will extend out beyond the cabinetry a bit. Integrated doors should be flush to the counter (the hinges are different, allowing the doors to open without space needed)

Keep in mind, those requiring panels may seem less expensive, but they aren't in the long run - those cabinetry panels add quite a bit to the end expense.

Connie, Sophie has a point... if putting in columns (a separate fridge and separate freezer) you will still have over 36", no matter where you put them (together or separated). Do you have the additional space for this? I've yet to see (could be something out there I'm not familiar with) 2 units that total 36". 40" in 2 columns is possible I believe.

Let me try to help Connie...
Standard fridge - about 30"-32" deep, the old school normal fridge.

Counter depth - a very misleading term, these are usually advertised around 24" -26" deep, but do not take into consideration the doors and handles! So the fridge still sticks out a few inches past the counters. Some of these can be "panel ready" but can look somewhat silly in that configuration.

Built In - is flush or semi flush with cabinetry, but it still looks like a fridge in that you can see grilles and hinges, these also can have panels to help hide the looks but still aware it is the fridge. These also can have dual compressors.

Fully Integrated - No see um, no grills no visible hinges. If well executed ... "where's the fridge?"

cookncarpenter, some built-ins installed flush will not have visible grills or hinges. The panels on the doors can be flush installed too. Depends on the installation. Ours will be a built in SZ, flush mount installed with panels. But our cabinet bases are deeper, which will allow for the "No see um, no grills no visible hinges" and "where's the fridge"? integrated look, and will give us more cubic feet. The hinges on models such as this are such that the doors do not need to extend out past the counters to fully open.