Type K thermocouples should read much lower than that, into the negative degrees F range. Omega.com is a classic re-lable shop for industrial instruments made mostly in China. I would also try McMasterCarr.com or Grainger.com. Your local Watlow heater vendor should be able to help also and would have higher quality. I've bought Type K's from just about everywhere- Type K is always Type K, if your's has a yellow and red wire it's Type K.