What is the difference between panel-ready and fully integrated appliances?

Panel-ready appliances accept a custom wood door panel on their front face but the appliance controls remain visible (usually on top of the door or the unit's handle). Fully integrated units conceal the controls entirely behind the panel — the appliance is indistinguishable from adjacent cabinetry when closed. Fully integrated requires more precise carcass construction (typically 25–26" depth) and accounts for panel weight limits specified by the manufacturer.