Gas or electric? It’s best to go with what you know

Heloise

Dear Heloise: My husband and I are building our “dream home.” When it comes to our stove and ovens, we don’t know whether to go with gas or electric. Any suggestions? — Carrie T., Port Huron, Mich.

Carrie, this can be a diffificult decision! Generally, you should pick what you are used to. If you have cooked only with gas, then electric may be a whole new learning curve. Here are a few things to consider:

Electric stoves usually are less expensive than gas. Electric stoves/ ovens: ■ Smooth-top stoves are easy to clean, and the coil stoves are, too.

■ Electric ovens are drier than gas ovens.

Gas stoves/ovens: ■ Instant heat, both on and offffffffffff.

■ Both natural and propane gas are inexpensive and save money in the long run run.

■ Gas ovens are hotter at the top, and gas gives offff moisture.

■ Gas stoves are a little more diffifficult to clean because of the heavy iron grates.

If the cost of the appliance is a factor, electric is the way to go. If you cook and bake a lot, you may want to go with gas. Whichever you choose, remember, you most likely will be living with the appliance for a long time, so choose wisely. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: My otherwise wonderful cardiologist has me on a low- to no-salt diet. I was shocked to discover how much salt there is in nearly everything we eat. I have some suggestions for your readers:

■ Always read the ingredients labels! Salt content varies from one brand to the next.

■ “Lite” or “low-cal” often means higher salt content.

■ The majority of soft drinks, energy drinks, cheese, lunchmeat and canned soups and vegetables have high amounts of sodium.

— Ed Y., Villa Park, Calif.

Ed, they do sell salt-free butter — you can use that! — Heloise