I have a 1 quart low-power crock pot from the 1970s that is at its best when used for making oatmeal overnight, started right before bedtime. I have a glass electric kettle for boiling water, so while it heats I plug in the crock pot, add a little salt, cut up a few dates, add either old fashioned oats or steel-cut oats, then pour the boiling water over the oats and the pot is hot enough to cook them. Starting with cold water results in a mess by morning that would take a lot longer to finish.

I alternate the dried fruit; sometimes I cut up dates, other times I add raisins.