Ikea tall cabinet top side / deeper than the tall cabinet

Hello,
I have a 211cm tall cabinet with a side panel on one side. Strangely, the side panel is about 2cm lower than the tall cabinet itself. According to the instructions, you mount the side panel so that it protrudes forward by exactly these 2cm.

What is that good for? Or did I misunderstand something?

PS: I want to install a fridge-freezer combo.

Thanks, Philipp

Hello, the cover is lower than the body so that it aligns with the front.

Hello Ikea expert, thank you for the answer.

I don’t quite understand: If I mount the top panel flush at the back, it protrudes at the front. If I mount it flush at the front, it protrudes at the back and I can’t place the cabinet completely against the wall.

Do I have to mount the panel flush at the back and pull the refrigerator out a bit during installation so that it closes properly?

Thanks, Philipp

If the cover panel is flush at the back, it only protrudes as long as no door is installed yet. It’s best if you put the door in and then place the cover panel next to it. You can see it quite well on the left side of the picture:

Okay, I will try. Thank you very much!

One more question: On my side, the cabinet is free on the left and right. Do I still have to install the top panel flush at the back and protruding at the front?