Microscopic flaws — such as nickel-sulfide inclusions — embedded within oven glass can, under certain conditions, lead to spontaneous breakage, especially during extreme thermal cycles like self-cleaning.

To reduce this risk, it’s important to treat oven doors gently: avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools, refrain from placing heavy objects on the door, and ensure that dishes inside the oven never touch the glass.

By adopting simple precautions — for example, cleaning with soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges and avoiding sudden temperature changes — you can significantly lower the chance of the glass shattering. These careful practices not only enhance safety but also help extend the usable life of your oven.

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Why this matters (with credible sources):

Studies have shown that tiny inclusions or defects in tempered glass — such as those caused by impurities or stress points — may significantly increase the chance of spontaneous breakage when the glass is subjected to rapid heating or cooling.
Manufacturers and glass-safety organizations recommend avoiding abrupt thermal shock (for example, from cold liquid on a hot surface or vice versa) to minimize risk.
Gentle, non-abrasive cleaning is likewise widely endorsed to prevent the creation or worsening of micro-abrasions that could act as stress concentrators.

In short: small flaws in oven glass are rarely noticeable — but under repeated stress they can lead to sudden failure. Taking a few easy precautions helps keep both you and your oven safe and preserves the integrity of the appliance over time.