I have the Park Tools version and it works pretty well. I use Simple Green as the solvent. But it's a messy job, even with these, since you have to clean the cleaner.

I may get a power link next season to make taking the chain off/on easier and try that technique, but I'm more interested in riding than cleaning, so other than making sure the chain is lubed, I don't worry about it all that much. After all - chains aren't that expensive.