All sound like good plans, but I have to caution you that when the compressor on our edgestar fridge failed 2 days out of warranty they were horrific to deal with. The worst customer service I've ever received in my life. Replaced it with a small Frigidaire I found at Lowes for about $75 more than I paid for the edgestar. Night and day better, quieter, colder, less energy draw, a little bigger, less condensation on the glass door, just better in every way.
I understand about throw away stuff, I'm pretty cheap, but I will NEVER buy another edgestar product under any circumstances.