I use the powerwash, but not because I think it necessarily works better, it is just a convenient format. Most things go in the dishwasher so I am not doing a sink full of dishes, so for spraying one item and cleaning it I find it more convenient. I haven't tried the make your own, but I get a 2 pack of refills and one with the top on it in a combo pack from Sam's Club for less then $10 when I have gotten it.