Wall spice racks are not necessarily better than freestanding ones. Each type of spice rack comes with pros and cons. Wall racks are typically screwed into a wall or other surface while free-standing ones sit on the countertop or other suitable kitchen space.
Wall spice racks are a good choice in kitchens that do not have much space to spare in their drawers and cabinets, or on countertops. You can not only mount them on a wall but the inside of kitchen cabinet doors too.
On the downside, wall spice racks must be installed. This is not just time-consuming but could cost you if you have to hire a contractor to do it. Also, wall racks are difficult to move once they have been fixed in their position.
Free standing spice racks come in diverse sizes, shapes and materials. They are not restricted by space to the same degree as wall racks. You can move them with ease as and when you need to.
The main disadvantage is they may not work in small kitchens that do not have the adequate counter space. Free standing racks sometimes come with their own jars and might not fit your existing containers. In that case, you would have to transfer your flours, grains and other kitchen materials to the rack’s jars.