I prefer the “Baroque” fingering recorders (not German). They are more common I think, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one.
Here is how to tell the difference: a German-fingering recorder has hole five (counting from the top) which is smaller than hole four, whereas Baroque recorders have hole four which is smaller than hole five.
Yamaha and Aulos are reliable brands, but there are many good brands. I think as long as you’re not picking up a mystery brand thing at the dollar store you’ll be OK.