The difference between the Park Tool model and the other cheaper ones is incredible. I have a cheapo 6$ one from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop, Canada's REI equivalent I think) and it worked ok but nowhere like the 30$ Park blue gizmo I tried at the mechanics class.

However, I don't use it that much anymore, or at least it's not my core way to clean the chain. If I really want to make it shiny, I spray degreaser (Ecotech by Finish Line) on all parts and all links of the chain and brush with the Park Tool small brush (the one with the teeth to clean the cogs too) to get the goo out of the inside of the links. Then I spray more degreaser on a rag and wipe the outside of the chain while turning the cranks. THEN I use the chain washer to rinse off with soapy water, and then when the chain REALLY shines I rinse it off with clear water. All this takes less than 30 minutes (including the cleaning of the rest of the bike with warm soapy water, including wheel cleaning and inspection).

The rest of the bike is sprayed with home degreaser (2 cups of water boiled down for half an hour with the peel of one big orange in it than sieved to keep just the water - works fine).

I found the gizmo does a pretty good job of removing the worst part but in seconds it fills out with debris and oil and just keeps spreading it. So I brush first.

My bike is MUCH cleaner than my appartment.