Can you help me choose a glass table cover?

I have a new sideboard that I plan to use for buffet meal service. I’m going to cover the piece’s top with glass, to protect its wood from spills, heat damage, etc. I’ve never purchased this sort of thing and hope someone might be knowledgeable.

1) Should I get tempered glass, or is annealed glass sufficient for this purpose?

2) Do I need .25 in/.635 cm thickness, or can I go with something thinner?

I’m aware that I can visit any glass shop and ask these questions. But, I’d rather not take advice from someone who has an incentive to upsell. It would be great if a Jelly handyman (or handywoman!) could share some information.