Interesting...top-loading washing machines have never gained a foothold in the UK. Front-loading washing machines are the norm and always have been. Front-loading machines are perfectly capable of cleaning clothes, but sure there are some disadvantages compared to top-loaders: generally longer washing times, inability to add clothes once the wash cycle starts. I'm guessing that the high cost of front-loaders in the US is due to their low popularity?

I remember top loaders being the norm - maybe 30 years or so ago but I am very old.

I think this comment is misleading. In the article you're referring to, it's the more wasteful top-loaders whose performance got worse. The front-loaders which use less water and electricity worked just fine.