sure it's hot. some say you can put the bottom of a wooden spoon in and if bubbles start coming off it's ready. i pretty much know by how long i keep it on the stove when it's ready and hot. put in a few at a time. i only do 3 in my miniature pot.
note: if you are using a larger pot, don't add too many in at one time because it could bring down the temperature of your oil too rapidly. instead try gradually adding a couple more every so often working up to a good number. then as one is done put another one in.
we have a 