Apparatus for holding semiconductor wafers during semiconductor manufacturing processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a heat-conductive layer disposed on a supporting base. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of holes formed through the heat-conductive layer and the supporting base. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of heat-conductive lift pins that extend through the holes over the heat-conductive layer at the top end, and make a direct contact with a wafer substrate. The heat-conductive layer and the lift pins are connected to a heating circuit.