Yes IMO you are right it is supposed to resemble another cabinet. I personally do not like pannelled applainces and never would spend the money on a SZ but that is me.

Did you buy the integrated SZ?

Yes, but it still requires that you have a kitchen designer and/or cabinet maker that knows what they are doing!

Integrated columns in my previous house (24"freezer + 36" fridge). Note that I had them both hinged on the left side, which worked best for that kitchen layout.

My kitchen designer ordered custom panels to enclose the units.

New house, went with 42" SZ french door, which is the model that is harder to conceal, due to the way the french doors come together and that upper access panel. Again the kitchen designer designed/made side panels that concealed the fridge. It won't be flush with standard depth cabinets because it sticks out further than the cabinets!

Please say the model fridge you bought. "Panel ready" is different from "fully-integrated". And it also depends what you mean by "flush". Can you provide a photo? It would help us help you.

If you want the type of flush where the fridge/freezer disappears into the cabinetry (which is called "fully-integrated"), you must buy the SZ "Designer Series". Is that what you meant when you said "it would be flush and look like a cabinet"? If you want 48" size in the Designer Series you have to buy the fridge and freezer columns.

If instead you are buying the SZ Classic Series in the 48" width, the panels will be flush, but will still be visible and you can tell there is a fridge there. Here are photos so you can see what I mean - the Classic is still visible as a fridge, the Designer disappears into the adjacent cabinetry.

The Classic will slways look like a fridge. The Designer can look like an armoire, or your tall cabinets, etc.