Custom Inserts can make you exactly what you're looking for but they aren't inexpensive. The nice thing, though, is you can remove the box for cleaning (provided you have full extension glides on your drawers).

Here is a link that might be useful: Custom Inserts bread box

i can't imagine that any custom cabinet maker wouldn't be able to make the same insert, for a lot less. just ask, you may be surprised.

One word: Moths.

I'm sure competent designers have figured this out, but that leaves all the incompetent ones who are still out there hawking their wares... Just make sure the insert on this drawer seals really well.

If you scope out the 1949 Vintage Kitchen thread, you'll see flour, sugar, potato, and onion bins - all of which are fantastic storage ideas - and I think it would be possible for a cabinet maker to make a similar tilt or pull out for rice.

Here is a link that might be useful: 1949 kitchen

You might simply specify a drawer sized for a few rectangular steel or plastic containers with lift-off lids, deep enough to leave the scoop in. This would be flexible. Suppose you get all foodie and start playing the changes between long grain, short-grain, brown, sweet, black, and red rice. Or add quinoa, orzo, barley, to the rotation. The built-in rice drawers won't accommodate new habits, but the removable containers will.

John - that's a great idea! Do you have a link or specific product for the removable containers?

You can use any air tight container. I like ClickClacks. I use round ClickClacks in my staples drawer that way, and on the pullouts in my pantry for things like rice.

The best thing to do is find something that fits your drawer and has an easy to remove and replace lid. You don't want to have to be wrestling the bin out to put the lid on! That's what's nice about the drawer insert with the hinged lid, but the air tight ones do keep the pests out. Or if they come in the bag, keeps them in!

Snapware has some that have hinged lids. Lock and Lock make some that look more drawer shaped, if you want a shallower drawer.

I ended up making dog food early one morning when I thought I was going to make rice to take in my lunch. Dumped the bag into the boiling water to see things floating on top. I use a lot of rice but I would never try to keep a hinged lid top on my rice here in Iowa. I do use the snap on lids now, don't know what they're called but the four snappy things are colored. I bought the square ones. IF I do have creatures at least they are confined.

A drawer like you describe sounds really good if you can keep the creepy crawlies out. Perhaps a plastic tote? I keep my 25# steel cut oats in those and parcel it out into an ice cream pail for the cupboard.

plastic and there are lids too

http://www.rosesequipment.com/default.asp?pg=products&specific=jmnocrfpr0

steel (steamtable) and there are hinged lids for these too

http://www.rosesequipment.com/default.asp?pg=products&specific=jmnocrfpr0

I lived in San Francisco for 20 years, and all the Chinese familys have rice drawers. I would look for some San Francisco cabinet makers and see if they could direct you to a place that would sell the insert.

Thank you all for your input. I will check the websites that you all mentioned to see what products are available out there. I have had moths and other bugs get in my plastic tubs with rice...the tops were not snap on but loose hinges. Yech! I do like the idea of being able to store not only rice but other grains as well to maximize usage of space.
Great ideas...thanks.

Luv2entertain --> this is a great idea. I bulk buy bins too and having so thing like this would be so convenient. Have you seen this from the pioneer woman blog.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pioneer woman bulk drawers