I fell in love with this machine--both its looks and its espresso quality--after being introduced to it by a DeLonghi employee in a department store. He pulled a great shot for me in the store: dark, rich taste, very hot, with a lot of crema, and for the past week I've had similarly great results at home. I was leery buying this machine after reading the Amazon reviews, but I took a risk and I couldn't be happier.
Lukewarm shots seem to be a common complaint for machines like this. They happen for a variety of reasons, but this 15-bar pump definitely produces all the heat you need. Problems occur, rather, when the filter (the scoop-like handle) and your espresso cups aren't hot enough. First, run the machine with just water at least once before you make a shot, every time. I also run the filter and my cup(s) under hot water just before using, and as a result my coffee both tastes rich and is very hot. You also, without a doubt, need coffee that's been ground with an excellent conical burr grinder to get a fine and consistent grind, which is crucial for the way machines like this work. Most grinders that do a great espresso grind unfortunately cost as much as this machine, but as a substitute you can certainly get it ground professionally at your local coffee shop, and use that coffee for a few days. Not as fresh, but the grind is more crucial. Keep in mind these two things (good grind + warm cups & filter) and you will produce fantastic shots with this machine. And its style definitely classes up your kitchen!