Just moved into a new apartment 2 weeks ago - Tried making pierogis and smoke filled the kitchen. Whoever lived in the apt before really filled the stove with grease.

I had to remove everything and clean it all individually - Elbow grease, a steel scrubby and an hour later everything was fine.

If you have a coil top stove: Remove the drip pans, clean the top, lift it, clean underneath, and replace the drip pans (you can buy these in Bed Bath & Beyond or Home Depot). Wipe off the coils with a wet cloth and let dry before using again. IME, the drip pans today are thin and flimsy and it is impossible to clean them properly (I tried, because it hurts to just replace them, but it appears to be the only option in the long run. You can slow the buildup, but not stop it.)

If you have a smooth top, use cooktop cleaner and a non-abrasive scrubby pad.

If you have gas, clean the burner grates (and the metal/glass top as appropriate).

I sympathize, we have the exact same problem. It's probably a greenwashing product but I found Sun & Earth works miracles on grease. Better than Dawn. Simple Green is pretty good too, just be aware I'm not positive either is appropriate for burners.

Open all the windows, start all the fans and let it burn through the leftovers (if you have an electric stove, that is). Put a pot filled with water on the coil if that makes you feel safer.

I have the same problem. I would recommend washing them with dish soap and a sponge - don't submerge them, but wipe them several times with a soapy sponge and rinse with water. Allow them to dry and reinstall into the stove...

Dish soap is designed to cut grease.

The other option is to open all your windows, turn on the vent hood and burn the crap off on medium low heat.

I had a similar problem when we moved into our new place and used a technique I learned about from Pinterest. http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/01/cleaning-those-nasty-stove-burner-pans.html

While my burners and their pans soaked, I used some baking soda to clean the range - inside and out (the range usually lifts like a car hood, so you can get underneath where lovely things tend to congregate!), and watched a movie and ordered take out. In the morning, I took the burners out of their freezer bags, rinsed them off, and let them dry before reassembling my sparkling stove!

Bar Keeper's Friend: my go-to cleaner for all things scrubbable.

Baking soda is what we use. If the drip pans are too far gone, invest in some new ones, and add them to your weekly house clean so they don't get in that shape again!

I have a gas stove with white-coated drip pans. I used to sweat a lot and use steel wool pads, especially on the metal "grates.". Then I saw a simple tip on Pinterest that really works. Simply place drip pans and grates in a gallon zip-lock bag and add ammonia--about 1/4-1/3 cup? Seal bag and let sit overnight. Follow with hot soapy water and some rubbing with sponge or dishcloth and they sparkle! So easy. Love it.

I use vinegar (plain old white distilled vinegar) to dissolve most grease and grime on my stove top. Remove the pieces you can (drip pans, etc) and put them to soak in the sink. Spray the rest down with vinegar, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it sit for at least an hour (overnight if you have the time).

You should be able to wipe off a LOT of grease and grime, and scrubbing with a plastic scrub pad should take care of the rest. Magic!

I used to work in the custodial department in college, and would have to clean the nasty family housing apartments. We would mostly use dish soap and water, but what really saved the day was razor blade scrapers. They don't scratch the enamel as long as you keep them flat. You can make any stove look like new!

The coil tops usually just sort of unplug, so that's the first step. Once you've removed them from the stovetop, you can handle them better and there isn't any risk of getting water or cleaning solution into the actual electrical components.

A thick paper towel or a microfiber cloth and a solution of vinegar and water (50/50) should take off the grease. You may have to hold the cloth to the burner for a minute or two to get it to penetrate, but it should wipe off pretty easily with this trick.

It also disinfects the surface of the coil pretty nicely, so odors won't be a problem.

If all else fails, you CAN buy new burners at most home improvement stores. I think they're around $10 each, but that's a small price to pay to be able to start over and use your entire cooking surface again. If you opt for that, try the vinegar solution once a month, whether they need it or not since that will keep them in good condition!

I clean the stove with a little of lemon or vinegar. I write in my website a article about this.
CLEAN THE STOVE BURNS I hope help you.