Urban Legends
Sometimes I hesitate posted facts or figures for fear I'm correct. Its not uncommon to be assailed with how wrong you are if the case is so. I spoke to a pumice filter on the stem of the Farberware to absorb oils and prevent bitter coffee. I given that explanation for the extra tube on the Farberware stem.
Turns out I am dead wrong. A very kind, gentle member who worked for Farberware emailed off thread to tell me the real story. The tube is ceramic. The Farberware pot begins to perc instantly and advertises a cup a minute. The ceramic tube inulated the stem keeping it cool to prevent the early burbles from making it out the tube. When the ceramic tube warmed through it stopped cooling the stem and allowed the superheated water to perk over the grounds making one cup of coffee in the advertised 1 minute. To my friend, I always loved you, but a man who protects his brother's ego is a man among men!. XO