I'd wrap a microfiber cloth around a new and clean toilet brush. Secure it with rubber bands. It will prevent you from having to stick your arm down there as it's longer.

I had one of those years ago. I ended up putting my hand down it and pulling out gobs of grease. I like rrah's idea of using a rag wrapped around a toilet brush. I'm not sure a steamer would help very much.

I used to have one of those ranges. I used my plumbing snake wrapped with a towel and tied with string. I started out first wrapping it with paper towel and that took out a bunch of grease. I went down from the top and then up from the grease trap drawer thing.

Just bought a house with one of these... What kind of cleaner do you use to get the grease up?

I have one......spray with something like 409....and using wads of paper towel, wipe it out. Find someone with skinnier arms....maybe you could bribe a kid.
It's a stinking job!..

I poured Murphy's Oil Soap straight on it and brushed it on with an old basting brush. Then I let it sit for 15 minutes. Next I took an old toothbrush and scrubbed it around and let it sit for another 10 minutes. Finally I wiped it out with paper towels. Worked pretty well.

Follow up question: My exhaust fan is squealing (so I can no longer use the fan) - I suspect it is covered in grease and putting a strain on the motor. Any advise on getting that clean?

I have one in a house we bought and it literally stinks. As the burners are wonky, I'm getting a new cooktop. Now I have to decide on downdraft or hood vent. AARGH. Didn't anyone stop to THINK before they designed this piece of crap?

have the GE, hate it. There is no way to clean this thing. Most of the grease is stuck to the rear wall. I checked with the company that installed it. The only option is to have it disconnected and removed to clean it. I would never have another one.

I’m trying oven cleaner on it. Will let you know if and how it works ☺️

I love it and hate it both. Cleaning it is tough. Lately it began to leak. Anyone know how to fix that?

Leak as in drip grease? EWW..! Likely duct tape....fixes everything!

I have the same prpblem. It just doesn't stay clean. I have a long Rubbermaid dish brush I use on it but it really doesn't get clean. And the knobs are a menace. They are very flat and I constantly burn myself trying to turn them off, plus they don't really go off. I can't afford to replace it as only a downdraft will work in this island location. I hate it.