MAX31855 Thermocouple Breakout Board Help

[flybywire2]

I have the MAX31855 Thermocouple breakout board connected to my Pi3 using SPI. The SPI is communicating the board temperature correctly using the example code, but the thermocouple temperature posts as "NAN". So that the sample code reads about like "Thermocouple Temperature NAN degF", I can't find a direct reference to this in the code, though there are some high bits and low bits for grounded, open, etc. I am using a traditional Bed Bath & Beyond meat thermometer that I cut the end off. I can wiggle, unplug, switch wires, etc with the same results. Any ideas? Do I have the right thermocouple?

[adafruit_support_carter]

I am using a traditional Bed Bath & Beyond meat thermometer that I cut the end off.

It's probably not a type K thermocouple. And it may not even be a thermocouple. There are various temperature sensors. Thermocouples are just one of them and they are made by joing two different metals. The two metals used vary with different thermocouple types, like type K.

The breakout you are using will only work with a type K thermocouple. More info:
https://learn.adafruit.com/thermocouple

[flybywire2]

You guys are awesome - thank you!

[adafruit_support_bill]

I am using a traditional Bed Bath & Beyond meat thermometer

From my experience, most oven/grill thermometers use RTDs. They tend to be more precise than thermocouples.