When making instant oatmeal in the microwave – ignore whatever those lying bastards are telling you on the packaging.
You heat the water, add the oatmeal, stir and wait for it to thicken.
Do NOT put the oatmeal into the water and then heat.
The first way leads to a delicious morning treat.
The second leads to tears and an oatmeal encrusted microwave.
Thoughts from a Fat Old Lady 
Ithinkit depends on the brand. The Trader Joe’s packets always seem to work for me.
Well I now have to travel 1 1/2 hours to the nearest TJ’s, but I’d still be careful. Boiled over oatmeal is one of the strongest substances known to mankind.