Kitchen Essentials For the Home Chef

Equip your cooking area with kitchen essentials from brands such as Le Creuset and Caraway. West Elm has cookware and utensils for every kitchen--including enameled cast iron pots and pans in colors to match your decor.

Types of Kitchen Essentials

Every kitchen needs high-quality cookware. As mentioned, one option is Le Creuset. This French brand has durable enameled cast-iron pots and pans in hues ranging from neutral to bright. White, licorice, flame and deep teal are just some of the stylish colors from which to choose. These cookware pieces heat quickly and evenly, and you can use them on all cooktops including induction.

When it comes to choosing individual cookware pieces, a good place to start is with a sauteuse oven. This versatile lidded piece can be used on the stovetop or in the oven--it's great for roasts, soups, stews and other dishes. For searing and frying, choose a fry pan or opt for a deep round grill pan. A lidded saucepan is another versatile cookware piece that every home chef needs in their collection.

Wood cutting boards are elegant and functional kitchen items. Go for rustic flair with an Italian-made wood cutting board in walnut or ash. It's a good idea to have more than one, so you can cut produce on one board and poultry or meat on another. There's also an excellent cutlery selection, which includes individual knives and knife sets.

Impart style to your countertops with modern utensil holders in marble or stoneware. There are utensil sets that come with the tools and the canister, such as the Le Creuset 5-piece utensil set with crock. It comes in the same colors as the Le Creuset cookware, and the utensils have sturdy wood handles and removable silicone heads.

Another kitchen essential you may want is the 1.7-liter Smeg kettle. It's made in Italy from ultra-strong stainless steel, and it comes in an array of fashion colors. This energy-efficient kettle has manual and automatic shut-off, and it comes with a removable limescale filter that's also crafted from stainless steel for lasting quality.

Kitchen Organization

Keep your kitchen essentials organized with a slim rolling cart, such as the three-shelf style from Yamazaki. It has a powder-coated steel frame for durability, and it's easy to transport from one room to another thanks to the smoothly rolling wheels. There's also the Yamazaki wall-mounted wood shelf, which is crafted from ash wood and powder-coated steel to enhance your kitchen. You'll also find dish racks and other countertop organizers. Browse the selection at West Elm to find all the cookware and tools you need.