Yes, you can put a smaller sink into a larger cabinet with no problem, but why do such a thing? Get the larger sink please. Most sinks should be strapped in place with a Hercules Universal Sink Harness or Sink Straps; clips and blocking leak. Heavier sinks can use a Pete's Sink Mount Kit.

You should get the size sink you actually need and one that looks proportionally correct in your kitchen and in the sink base. My old kitchen had a 22" sink in a 36" base and it looked ridiculous. But in my smallish kitchen a 33" sink would look so large that it would also look terrible.

Two reasons to consider the 33" sink in a 39" base cabinet: 1. There are many more sinks to choose from in the 33" size than the 36" size. 2. An individual commenting on another thread here thought that my planned 91" island with a 24" dishwasher on the right, 24" base cabinet on the left, and a 39" sink base cabinet in the middle was tight on countertop prep space and would benefit from a sink smaller than 36".

I understand the argument that a workstation sink actually gives you more countertop prep space. However, my son apparently has an issue with using a workstation sink as it is designed to be used and constantly removes the cutting board from over the sink. Since I am getting tired of moving it back continually and don't have the heart to admonish him (he more than carries his weight of cleaning up dirty dishes/pots/pans), the workstation sink adds more countertop space idea does not hold true in my house unfortunately for now.

On a side note, I am torn on dual-tier (double ledge) sinks. For example, Ruvanti actually adds a second ledge, while Create Good Sinks advocates that you have your countertop fabricator cut a positive reveal around your sink to create a second ledge by utilizing the sink's rim.

The more I think about it, I prefer Create Good Sinks' approach better. I love everything about Create Good Sinks except that it doesn't have quite the drainage slope as the Ruvanti. I am not a fan of having the drain on the side, as I waste a lot of water spraying crap under the grid down to the drain on my current workstation sink (Delta without much slope, right hand drain).

This Delta workstation sink is a fairly new installation for me (had to replace the old double sink and couldn't wait for remodel). So far, I don't really like the grid but am giving it a try before ordering my new sink.

Anyway, thoughts about the slope on Create Good Sinks, and its ability to move the crud down? Thoughts on double ledge/tier sinks (just another spot for crud to accumulate)? Thoughts on Ruvanti sinks vs Create Good Sinks (certainly less expensive and I like the slope--at least in theory, not sure if dishes fall over without a grid). Thoughts about creative ideas for all the sink grids that no one likes (turning them into mobiles)?--just kidding here. Can always use them as cookie racks.

And Thank You Joseph, you are the respected expert of which I described above. Everyone has valuable opinions, but you speak from the front lines and experience--incredibly helpful!

How the sink is mounted depends entirely on the type of countertop and sink. But any sink on any counter can be mounted in a cabinet that is "too big" for it.

An undermounted sink will be less obviously mismatched than an overmount but I don't think that is a concern with the sizes you are discussing.

I'm advocating 24" sinks as more than adequate for kitchen cleanup. Use your bigger and deeper utility sink for once a year long soaks. This gives you more valuable counter space. If you choose a 24" base it gives your run width for wider drawer base cabinets. Even in a 36" base you can offset the sink to one side for useful trash storage in the cabinet.